Dal Fara Recipe (Indian Stuffed Lentil Dumplings)
Dal Fara is a traditional and beloved dish from North India, especially popular in Uttar Pradesh. This dish is often prepared during special occasions and festivals, showcasing a rich heritage of flavors and culinary techniques. The name “Fara” may differ from region to region, but its essence remains the sameβa delightful, high-protein vegetarian snack that’s both filling and nutritious. With its combination of various lentils, spices, and an easy-to-make dough, Dal Fara is the perfect dish to impress family and friends at your next gathering.
Whether you’re looking for a snack that is packed with protein or simply seeking to add a traditional touch to your meal, Dal Fara will surely satisfy your cravings. The dumplings are made by stuffing a spicy lentil mixture into puris (flatbread), steaming them to perfection, and then tempering with aromatic spices for that extra burst of flavor. This recipe offers a wonderful fusion of textures and tastes, making it a truly authentic Indian delight.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 4 cups |
| Chana dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 1 cup |
| Arhar dal (Split Toor Dal) | 1 cup |
| Whole Wheat Flour (or rice flour) | As required |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/3 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | A pinch |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, crushed or finely chopped |
| Green Chillies | 2, paste (adjust to your spice preference) |
| Salt | As required |
| Oil | For tempering |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 10, fresh |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | A pinch (for tempering) |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | Few sprigs, chopped (for garnish) |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Instructions
1. Soak and Prepare Lentils
Start by soaking the white urad dal, chana dal, and arhar dal (split toor dal) in water for 4-5 hours. This softens the lentils and makes them easier to grind into a smooth, yet coarse, paste.
2. Make the Dal Paste
After soaking the dals, drain the water and grind them in a mixer grinder. You want the paste to be smooth, but still coarse enough to hold its shape. Add the garlic, green chillies, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and a pinch of asafoetida (hing). Mix well and adjust the seasoning with salt. It’s important to add salt only just before stuffing the puris, as adding it earlier can cause the mixture to release water.
3. Prepare the Dough
While the dal paste is ready, it’s time to prepare the dough for the puris. Take whole wheat flour (or rice flour for a crispier texture), water, and a pinch of salt. Mix until you form a soft dough. If the dough feels too sticky, add a bit more flour. Let it rest for a few minutes.
4. Shape the Puri and Stuff the Dal
Take small portions of the dough and roll them out into thick puris (flat circles). Place a spoonful of the dal mixture on one side of each puri, then fold the puri over to cover the stuffing. Pinch the edges to seal the puri, ensuring that the dal mixture is securely enclosed.
5. Steam the Fara
Arrange the stuffed puris in a steamer, ensuring they are not crowded and have enough space to expand. Steam the faras for 20-30 minutes, or until they are firm and cooked through. Once done, remove them from the steamer and let them cool slightly.
6. Tempering and Garnish
To finish the dish, heat oil in a kadhai or wok over medium heat. Add cumin seeds (jeera) and let them crackle, releasing their aromatic flavor. Add the curry leaves and a pinch of hing (asafoetida), allowing them to sizzle. Gently toss the steamed faras in the tempering and stir-fry for a couple of minutes to let them absorb the spices.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once the tempering is done, garnish the dal fara with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve them hot with a side of tomato garlic chutney or as an accompaniment to your main meal.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains the following allergens:
- Legumes: The dal mixture includes urad dal, chana dal, and arhar dal, all of which are legumes and can trigger allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to beans or lentils.
- Wheat: If you use whole wheat flour in the dough, this recipe will contain gluten. For a gluten-free version, substitute the whole wheat flour with rice flour.
- Garlic: Garlic is used in the dal mixture and tempering, which could cause issues for those with garlic sensitivities.
Dietary Preferences
- Vegetarian: Dal Fara is a completely vegetarian dish, making it a great option for those following plant-based diets.
- High-Protein: With its combination of lentils, Dal Fara is a high-protein snack, ideal for vegetarians looking to boost their protein intake.
- Gluten-Free Option: If you opt for rice flour instead of whole wheat flour, this recipe becomes gluten-free.
- Nut-Free: This recipe does not contain any nuts, making it safe for people with nut allergies.
Tips & Tricks
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Grinding the Dals: For a smoother dal paste, you can add a tiny bit of water while grinding, but be careful not to make it too watery. The paste should have a thick consistency to hold its shape when stuffed inside the dough.
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Spice Levels: Adjust the green chillies and red chili powder according to your spice tolerance. If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the amount of green chillies or omit them altogether.
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Serving Suggestions: Dal Fara can be served as a standalone snack, but it pairs beautifully with tangy chutneys like tomato garlic or coriander chutney. You can also enjoy it as part of a larger meal with a variety of Indian curries and rice dishes.
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Make Ahead: Dal Fara can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container. You can steam them ahead of time and temper them just before serving.
Conclusion
Dal Fara is more than just a snack; it’s a delightful journey into the flavors of North India. With its hearty, spiced lentil filling and light, chewy exterior, this dish brings together a rich culinary tradition that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it at a family gathering or serving it as an appetizer at your next party, Dal Fara will surely impress your guests with its authentic taste and texture. So, gather your ingredients, and bring a taste of Uttar Pradesh to your kitchen today!
Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Dal Fara, and donβt forget to pair it with your favorite chutney for the ultimate experience.
