Andhra Style Patoli (Dal Usli) – A Flavorful Crumbled Dal Delight
Andhra Style Patoli, also known as Dal Usli, is a flavorful side dish hailing from the vibrant cuisine of Andhra Pradesh. This dish combines chana dal (Bengal gram) with aromatic spices and a variety of textures, creating a delightful and savory dish. Ground into a thick paste and sautéed with crispy onions, curry leaves, and a touch of heat from red chili powder, this dish is a perfect companion for rice, phulkas, or even roti. You can add extra vegetables like capsicum or carrots to enhance the texture, but the dish is delicious even in its simplest form.
With the vibrant combination of spices and the satisfying crunch of crumbled dal, Andhra Style Patoli is a great way to experience the rich and flavorful cuisine of South India. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for a nutritious addition to your weekday meals, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Recipe Details
| Cuisine | Andhra |
|---|---|
| Course | Side Dish |
| Diet | Vegetarian |
| Prep Time | 60 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
Ingredients:
To Grind:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chana dal (Bengal gram dal) | 1 cup (soaked in hot water for 30 minutes) |
| Green chili | 1 |
To Temper:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mustard seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| White urad dal (split) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Asafoetida (hing) | 1 pinch |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium |
| Ginger garlic paste | 1 teaspoon |
| Red chili powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | For cooking |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chana Dal Paste:
Start by soaking the chana dal (Bengal gram) in hot water for about 30 minutes. Once soaked, grind the dal along with the green chili in a mixer. Add a small amount of water to help grind the dal into a thick paste. -
Temper the Spices:
Heat oil in a kadai (wok) over medium heat. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and urad dal. Allow them to splutter for a few seconds. Then, add the curry leaves and let them crackle for 2 seconds, releasing their aromatic flavors. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the chopped onions to the kadai and sauté until they become soft and translucent. Once the onions are cooked, add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute, allowing the flavors to blend. -
Combine the Ground Chana Dal:
Add the ground chana dal paste into the kadai and stir well to combine with the tempered spices and onions. Keep stirring the mixture continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. -
Add the Spices:
Add turmeric powder and red chili powder to the mixture. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dal. Use a wooden spatula to break the dal paste into crumbles, creating the signature texture of this dish. -
Season and Adjust:
Add salt to taste and stir well. Check the seasoning and adjust as needed. Continue to cook for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the dal to become lightly crispy. -
Serve:
Serve the Andhra Style Patoli (Dal Usli) hot, accompanied by steamed rice, phulkas, or even Mamsaam Chops for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions:
This dish is traditionally enjoyed as a side dish with steamed rice, but it can also be served with phulkas (Indian flatbreads) or even rotis. If you’re feeling adventurous, pair it with spicy Mamsaam Chops (spicy lamb chops) to create a hearty meal that embodies the authentic flavors of Andhra Pradesh.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 160 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
This Andhra Style Patoli (Dal Usli) is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines healthy ingredients with rich South Indian spices. It’s easy to make and packs a punch of flavor in every bite. Whether enjoyed as a side or a light meal, this recipe will add a delicious touch of Andhra cuisine to your table.
