Dal Paratha Recipe
Dal Paratha Recipe: As a housewife who loves cooking and enjoys experimenting with new recipes, I have a special place in my heart for dal paratha. It is a traditional Indian dish that brings back fond memories of my grandmother’s kitchen. The aroma of freshly cooked dal mixed with spices and stuffed inside a soft, fluffy paratha is simply irresistible. The combination of tender paratha with the spicy, tangy filling of dal is a match made in heaven.
What is Dal Paratha?
Dal paratha is a popular Indian flatbread that is made with a mixture of lentils and spices, which is then stuffed inside a soft and fluffy paratha. The word “dal” means lentils in Hindi, and “paratha” is a type of Indian flatbread. The dal filling is usually made with a combination of moong dal, chana dal, or toor dal, mixed with spices like cumin, coriander, green chillies, and ginger. This mixture is then stuffed inside a ball of dough, which is rolled out and cooked on a hot griddle until golden brown.
Variations of Dal Paratha Recipe
- Moong Dal Paratha: This variation uses moong dal as the main ingredient for the filling. It is light and easy to digest, making it a popular option for breakfast.
- Chana Dal Paratha: This version of dal paratha uses chana dal as the main ingredient for the filling. It has a slightly nutty flavor and is more filling compared to moong dal paratha.
- Toor Dal Paratha: Toor dal is used to make this variation of dal paratha. It has a rich and slightly sweet flavor, making it a popular option for lunch or dinner.
- Spicy Dal Paratha: For those who like a little heat, this variation uses a mixture of spices like red chilli powder, cumin, and coriander to make the dal filling extra spicy.
Nutrition in Dal Paratha
Dal paratha is a nutritious dish that is high in protein, fiber, and carbohydrates. The lentils used in the filling provide a good source of protein, while the flour in the paratha provides carbohydrates for energy. Additionally, the spices used in the filling add flavor and also have various health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and aiding digestion.
Overall, dal paratha is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any meal of the day. Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast option or a satisfying lunch or dinner, dal paratha is sure to hit the spot.
Step by Step Dal Paratha Recipe
Dal Paratha Recipe
Ingredients
For Dough
- 2 cups Whole wheat Flour
- ¾ cup water
- 1 tsp ghee / clarified butter
For Stuffing
- ¾ cup chana dal / bengal gram
- 1 ½ cups water
- 2 onions
- 2 green chillies
- pinch Asafoetida / hing
- ¼ tsp Garam Masala
- coriander leaves / cilantro
- ½ tsp Carom seeds / ajwain
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ coriander powder
- ½ tsp aamchur / dry mango powder
- ½ tsp Red Chilli Powder
For Roasting
- ¼ cup ghee / clarified butter
Instructions
Preparation
- Assemble all ingredients to avoid last minute rush.
- Soak chana dal overnight or for at least 2-3 hours. Then, pressure cook it in a Pressure Cooker with water. Chana dal should be cooked properly yet separated. It should not be mushy or overcooked.
- Strain chana dal in a Strainer and leave it for 20 minutes in Strainer so that all water will be drained out from dal.
- Wash and finely chop onions and green chillies.
Cooking
- For dough, mix whole wheat flour and ghee or oil in a mixing bowl.
- Pour less water first.
- Start kneading. Add more water if required and knead flour to a smooth and soft dough.
- Keep it for rest about 15 – 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile let’s prepare dal stuffing by adding properly drained dal, coriander powder, red chilli powder, finely chopped onions, dry mango powder, garam masala, salt, asafoetida, carom seeds, chopped coriander leaves and green chillies in a Mixing Bowl. Mix everything very well.
- Now, pinch a ball from the dough, dust it with dry flour and start rolling it with the help of a Rolling Pin and Rolling Board.
- Roll the ball to a circle of about 5 inches in diameter.
- Place 2 tbsp dal stuffing in the center and bringing edges together and seal all the edges to make a flat ball again.
- Sprinkle dry flour again on paratha and start rolling the stuffed paratha to a circle of about 6 to 7 inches in diameter.
- Now, heat a Tawa on high flame and place the rolled paratha on it. Make sure, Tawa should be hot enough before placing the rolled paratha.
- Flip when one side is half cooked.
- Apply ghee or oil on this side with a spoon. Flip again when the second side is half cooked.
- Now, apply oil or ghee on the flipped side and flip again with the help of a Spatula.
- Press the edges with a Spatula so that edges will cook completely and becomes crispy.
- Cook paratha till it becomes light golden brown or cooked completely. You may need to flip once or twice again.
- Now, prepare all parathas the same way.
- Serve Dal Paratha hot with yogurt or pickle. Optionally, you can spread some yellow butter or homemade white butter over the paratha while serving.
- A hot cup of ginger tea with a hot paratha is out of the world combo. Try once and let us know in comments section.
Equipment Used for This Recipe
Notes & Tips
- Choice of Flour: You can choose all - purpose flour also in place of whole wheat flour. However, latter is a healthier option.
- Spices: You can always adjust spices and salt as per your taste preference.
- Onion: Adding onions is optional, however it enhances the taste of paratha.
- Oil: You can choose any neutral tasting oil to prepare Dal Paratha Recipe. I always use clarified butter / ghee to roast parathas, with ghee they will become crispier and more flavorful.
- Roasting: You can also dry roast your Paratha over hot Tawa for opting healthier version. Just brush a little oil or ghee before putting stuffing in center, it helps to cook paratha easily if you are roasting it without oil or ghee.
- Cooking Chana Dal: If cooking overnight soaked dal, then it will cook in 1 whistle or if cooking 2-3 hours-soaked dal then it will take 2 -3 whistles to cook properly. But remember not to overcook it and it should remain separated.
- Ingredients & Equipment: Find these Ingredients & Equipment at specialty food stores or online stores. For review of some stores, please refer to the Grocery Review Section on our Website.
Nutrition Information (Note: Approximate)
FAQs – Dal Paratha Recipe
What is Dal Paratha and how is it made?
Dal Paratha is a popular Indian breakfast dish that is made by stuffing a mixture of spiced lentils inside a whole wheat flour dough. The dough is rolled out into thin rounds and the lentil filling is placed in the center. The dough is then folded around the filling to form a ball, which is flattened into a paratha. The paratha is then cooked on a griddle until crispy and golden brown on both sides.
What are some variations of Dal Paratha?
There are several variations of Dal Paratha, including:
- Mixed Dal Paratha: This version of Dal Paratha is made by using a mixture of different lentils, such as chana dal, moong dal, and toor dal.
- Aloo Dal Paratha: This variation of Dal Paratha is made by adding boiled and mashed potatoes to the lentil mixture, which gives the paratha a unique texture and flavor.
- Pudina Dal Paratha: This variation of Dal Paratha is made by adding fresh mint leaves to the lentil mixture, which adds a fresh, herbal flavor to the paratha.
- Methi Dal Paratha: This variation of Dal Paratha is made by adding dried fenugreek leaves to the lentil mixture, which gives the paratha a slightly bitter taste and a unique aroma.
Is Dal Paratha a healthy dish?
Yes, Dal Paratha can be considered a healthy dish, as it is made with whole wheat flour, which is a good source of fiber and protein. The lentil filling provides additional protein, fiber, and other nutrients. Additionally, cooking the paratha on a griddle using oil or ghee helps to reduce the unhealthy oil absorption, making it a healthier option compared to deep-fried foods.
Can Dal Paratha be made vegan?
Yes, Dal Paratha can be made vegan by using oil or vegan ghee in place of traditional ghee or butter, and by using a vegan-friendly dough recipe.
What is the best way to serve Dal Paratha?
Dal Paratha is best served hot, with a dollop of ghee or butter and a side of pickles or yogurt. It can also be enjoyed with a variety of chutneys, such as mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or coriander chutney.
What are some tips for making the perfect Dal Paratha?
Some tips for making the perfect Dal Paratha include using the right type of lentils, making sure the filling is not too dry or too wet, and properly rolling out the dough so that the filling does not spill out during cooking. Additionally, cooking the paratha on a griddle at the right temperature is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and crispy exterior.
You might also be interested in:
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23 Best Indian Soups for Winter
10 Classic South Indian Food Combinations We All Love
Characteristics of Malabar Cuisine
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