Daal ka Dulha

Daal ka Dulha

Daal ka Dulha (also known as daal dhokli in some regions) is a traditional Bihari dish made with lentils and wheat dumplings. Here’s how you can prepare it:

Ingredients:

For the Daal:

• Toor dal (pigeon pea lentils) – 1 cup
• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp
• Salt to taste
• Water – 2-3 cups

For the Dumplings (Dulha):

• Whole wheat flour – 1 cup
• Ghee or oil – 1 tbs
• A pinch of salt
• Water, as needed, to make the dough

For Tempering:

• Ghee – 2 tbs
• Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
• Mustard seeds – ½ tsp
• Asafoetida (hing) – ¼ tsp
• Ginger, grated – ½ inch piece
• Garlic cloves, minced – 2-3
• Dry red chillies – 1-2
• Red chilli powder – ½ tsp
• Garam masala – ½ tsp
• Coriander powder – ½ tsp
• A handful of chopped fresh coriander leaves

Instructions:

To Prepare the Daal:

• Wash and soak the toor dal for 30 minutes.
• To a pressure cooker, add the soaked dal, turmeric powder, salt, and water.
• Cook for 3-4 whistles until the daal is soft and fully cooked. Mash it slightly with a ladle.

To Prepare the Dough for Dulha:

• In a bowl, mix together wheat flour, ghee/oil, and a pinch of salt.
• Add water gradually to make a firm dough. Let it rest for 15 minutes.

To Shape the Dulha:

• Divide the dough into small balls and roll each one into a small disc (about 3 inches in diameter).
• Fold each disc in half and then fold it again to form a triangular shape. Press the edges gently to seal.

To Cook the Dulha:

• Bring the cooked daal to a boil, adding more water if required.
• Gently drop the prepared dough dumplings (dulha) into the boiling dal.
• Cover and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the dumplings are cooked through.

To Prepare the Tempering:

• In a small pan, heat ghee.
• Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds, and let them splutter.
• Add asafoetida, grated ginger, minced garlic, and dry red chillies. Sauté until the garlic turns golden.
• Add red chilli powder, garam masala, and coriander powder. Mix well.

To Assemble:

• Pour the tempering over the cooked daal and dulha. Mix gently.
• Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
• Serve hot with a drizzle of ghee on top.

Enjoy your delicious and comforting Daal ka Dulha!

Recipe contributed by Kauvery well-wisher Mrs Alka Raman
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