Daal Pithi Recipe: A Heartwarming Bihari Delight
Daal Pithi is a traditional Bihari dish that beautifully combines the earthy flavors of masoor dal (lentils) with the wholesome goodness of wheat flour dumplings. This comforting and hearty recipe is perfect for lunch, and its vibrant, spiced flavors are sure to satisfy the soul. Whether you’re preparing it for a weekday dinner or a special family meal, Daal Pithi will surely become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1 cup |
| Water | As required |
| Masoor Dal (Whole) | 3/4 cup |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1 tbsp |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 tbsp |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 tbsp |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 tbsp |
| Ginger Garlic Paste | 1 tbsp |
| Onions (Chopped) | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic (Chopped) | 4 cloves |
| Green Chillies (Finely chopped) | 2 |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 tsp |
| Ghee | As required |
| Coriander Leaves (for garnish) | A handful |
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Bihari
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dumplings (Pithi)
- Begin by making the dough for the dumplings (pithi). In a large mixing bowl, take 1 cup of whole wheat flour and gradually add water, kneading as you go to form a smooth, soft dough. Ensure the dough is firm enough to hold its shape but not too stiff.
- Once the dough is ready, divide it into small portions slightly smaller than a cherry tomato.
- Roll each portion into a small ball, and then use a rolling pin to flatten each ball into thin, round discs.
- Now, fold each round disc from half to form a dumpling shape. This will resemble a small bowl or a half-moon, like a little dim sum.
- Set these dumplings aside on a plate or tray while you work on the dal (lentils).
Step 2: Cook the Masoor Dal
- In a pressure cooker, add 3/4 cup of whole masoor dal along with enough water to cook the lentils. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once the dal is boiling, reduce the heat and add the following spices: 1 tablespoon cumin powder, 1 tablespoon coriander powder, 1 tablespoon turmeric powder, and 1 tablespoon red chilli powder.
- Add 1 tablespoon of ginger garlic paste to the boiling lentils and stir well.
- Allow the dal to simmer for 10-15 minutes, letting the flavors meld together and the dal to soften.
Step 3: Add the Dumplings (Pithi)
- After the dal has simmered and softened, carefully add the prepared wheat flour dumplings (pithi) into the cooker. The dumplings will cook and puff up as they absorb the spiced dal.
- Secure the lid of the pressure cooker and cook for 2 whistles on medium heat.
- Once the cooker has finished, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool down naturally. The dumplings will be perfectly cooked, soft, and infused with the lentil broth.
Step 4: Prepare the Tadka (Tempering)
- While the dal and dumplings are cooling, it’s time to prepare the tadka (tempering), which adds a beautiful aromatic finish to the dish.
- Heat a small tadka pan or a regular small frying pan over medium heat and add a dollop of ghee.
- Once the ghee is hot, add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds. Allow them to splutter and release their fragrance.
- Add the chopped garlic and onions to the pan and sauté them until they turn golden brown.
- Finally, toss in the finely chopped green chillies and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Final Assembly
- Once the dal and dumplings have cooled slightly, pour the prepared tadka over the dal pithi mixture. Stir gently to combine the tadka with the dal and dumplings.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves to add a pop of color and freshness.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Daal Pithi is traditionally served with a refreshing side of Kachumber Salad (a mix of cucumber, tomato, onion, and lemon) for a balanced meal.
- Serve the warm, comforting dal pithi on its own or with a side of steamed rice, and enjoy the bold flavors of Bihar in every bite.
Tips for Making the Perfect Daal Pithi:
- Dough Consistency: Make sure your dough is not too soft or too hard; it should be firm enough to shape the dumplings without sticking to your hands.
- Cooking Time for Dal: Ensure the dal is cooked well before adding the dumplings, as the lentils need to soften for the dumplings to cook properly.
- Ghee: The ghee in the tadka adds a rich aroma and flavor to the dish, so don’t skip this step! If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can use oil, but ghee is the traditional choice for authentic taste.
- Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the red chilli powder and green chillies to suit your spice tolerance. You can add less for a milder version or more for an extra kick.
Why You’ll Love Daal Pithi:
Daal Pithi is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting, soul-satisfying dish with roots in Bihari cuisine. The combination of soft, steamed dumplings (pithi) and the rich, spiced lentil broth is perfect for any occasion, and the tadka adds a delightful finishing touch. It’s a vegetarian dish that’s hearty enough for lunch, yet light enough for a weekday dinner. Plus, it’s quick to make and incredibly filling – a must-try for anyone who enjoys traditional Indian comfort food.
Enjoy this Bihari classic and add a little warmth to your meal today!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: ~300 kcal
Protein: ~12g
Carbs: ~55g
Fat: ~8g
Fiber: ~9g
Cholesterol: ~15mg
