Bihari Chana Dal Puri Recipe – A Delightful North Indian Breakfast
Bihari Chana Dal Puri is a traditional North Indian breakfast recipe that brings the rich, flavorful taste of Bihar to your table. This delightful stuffed puri, filled with a spiced chana dal (Bengal gram lentils) mixture, is crispy on the outside and savory on the inside. Served with a variety of side dishes or even sweetened with kheer, this recipe is perfect for a filling and aromatic breakfast or brunch. Whether you’re craving something hearty or want to experience authentic Bihari cuisine, these puris are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1 cup |
| Chana Dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 1/2 cup |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Fresh Coriander Leaves (optional) | 1 tablespoon (finely chopped) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower Oil (for deep frying) | As required |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chana Dal Filling
- Cook the Chana Dal: Begin by pressure cooking the chana dal with enough water for about 2 whistles or until it is soft enough to be easily mashed. Be cautious not to overcook the dal, as this can make the puri soggy. Once done, drain any excess water from the cooked dal and allow it to cool.
- Mash the Chana Dal: Mash the cooled chana dal with a fork or a masher. You can choose to mash it completely or leave it a little grainy for texture, based on your preference.
- Spice the Dal: In a wide pan, heat a little oil and add cumin seeds. Let them splutter. Then, add the mashed chana dal along with red chilli powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Stir well to combine and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse into the dal. If you like, you can add a handful of finely chopped coriander leaves at this stage for extra flavor.
- Cool the Filling: Remove the spiced chana dal mixture from the pan and transfer it to a bowl. Allow it to cool down. Once cool, shape the mixture into small lemon-sized balls.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, add whole wheat flour and a pinch of salt. Gradually add water and knead into a stiff yet soft dough. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the Puri
- Divide the Dough: After the dough has rested, divide it into equal-sized balls (about the size of a golf ball).
- Roll the Puri: Take one dough ball and flatten it into a small circle, about 3 to 4 inches in diameter. Place one of the prepared chana dal balls in the center of the dough circle.
- Seal the Stuffing: Carefully gather the edges of the dough around the chana dal filling to seal it completely. Press the edges to ensure the filling stays intact. Flatten this stuffed dough ball gently into a small circle, ensuring that the filling doesn’t spill out.
Step 4: Fry the Puri
- Heat the Oil: Heat sunflower oil in a deep pan or kadhai over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough for deep frying.
- Fry the Stuffed Puri: Carefully drop the stuffed puri into the hot oil. Flip the puri over so it puffs up on both sides. Note that stuffed puris may not puff up as much as plain puris, but they will still form a slight puff. Fry until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain the Excess Oil: Once the puris are golden and crisp, remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain the excess oil.
Step 5: Serve
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your hot and crispy Bihari Chana Dal Puri with a variety of accompaniments like Soya Kheema, Kaale Chane Ki Ghugni, Mooga Gathi, or Methi Paneer Bhurji in Cream Gravy. Alternatively, for a more traditional Bihari touch, serve these puris with a bowl of creamy Kheer for a complete meal.
Serving Tips:
- Pairing: While this dish is most commonly paired with savory side dishes, the sweet flavor of kheer complements the spiced puris beautifully, making it a unique combination.
- Storage: Leftover puris can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. However, for the best taste, it’s recommended to serve them fresh.
Nutritional Information (Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Time Breakdown
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 30 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour |
Conclusion
Bihari Chana Dal Puri is an exceptional breakfast or brunch dish that offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The crisp exterior, combined with the hearty and spicy filling of chana dal, makes this puri a memorable part of any meal. Whether you enjoy it with traditional sides or prefer a sweet touch with kheer, this recipe will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Bihar. Perfect for weekends, festive occasions, or any time you want a fulfilling, comforting meal!
