Panchratan Dal Paniyaram Recipe: A Nutritious South Indian Delight
Panchratan Dal Paniyaram is a vibrant and flavorful South Indian snack made with a variety of lentils and millets, combined to create a nutrient-packed dish. This dish is perfect for breakfast, tea time, or as an appetizer for any gathering. It’s light yet filling, and pairs wonderfully with coconut chutney or coriander-coconut chutney for an authentic South Indian experience.
This recipe is naturally vegetarian, and the unique blend of grains and lentils offers a wholesome balance of proteins and fiber. The soft, spongy Paniyaram has a delightful crisp outer layer and a rich flavor from the mix of spices, herbs, and dals. If you’re looking for a healthy, flavorful treat, this recipe is your go-to.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Barnyard Millet | 3/4 cup |
| Chana Dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 2 tablespoons |
| Arhar Dal (Split Toor Dal) | 2 tablespoons |
| Green Moong Dal (Whole) | 2 tablespoons |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 2 tablespoons |
| Pink Masoor Dal (Split) | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Green Chillies (chopped) | 2 |
| Curry Leaves | 5-8 |
| Black Urad Dal (Split) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Mint Leaves (Pudina, chopped) | 2 tablespoons |
| Ginger (finely grated) | 1 inch |
| Salt | To taste |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Sunflower Oil | As needed |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Soak the Ingredients:
Begin by soaking the Barnyard millet and the Panchratan dal mix (Chana dal, Arhar dal, Green Moong dal, White Urad dal, and Pink Masoor dal) in separate bowls of water. Let them soak for about 3 hours to ensure the ingredients soften and blend easily. -
Prepare the Batter:
After 3 hours, drain the water from both the millet and dal mixture. Combine them in a bowl and blend them together using a food processor or mixer. Add the grated ginger, chopped green chilies, mint leaves, and curry leaves to the mixture for added flavor. Gradually add water to the mixture to create a smooth batter. The consistency should be thick, similar to idli batter. -
Mix the Spices:
Transfer the blended batter to a large mixing bowl. Add the finely chopped onions, asafoetida (hing), and salt to taste. Mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring all the ingredients are well combined. Adjust the water if necessary to maintain a thick batter consistency. -
Heat the Paniyaram Pan:
Place a Paniyaram pan (or a small, round indent pan) on the stove over low to medium heat. Once the pan is hot, pour about 1 teaspoon of sunflower oil into each of the cavities of the pan. -
Cook the Paniyaram:
Now, spoon 1 tablespoon of the batter into each cavity of the pan. Ensure that each cavity is filled halfway with batter. Cover the pan with a lid and allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes on low to medium heat. After 2-3 minutes, open the lid, carefully flip each Paniyaram using a spoon or spatula, and let the other side cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until golden and crisp. -
Serve:
Once the Paniyaram is evenly cooked and golden on both sides, remove it from the pan and place it on a serving plate. Repeat the process with the remaining batter, adding more oil as needed. -
Enjoy:
Serve your Panchratan Dal Paniyaram hot, paired with a side of South Indian coconut chutney or green coriander and coconut chutney for an authentic South Indian flavor experience.
Tips for the Perfect Panchratan Dal Paniyaram:
- For a fluffier texture, ensure that the batter is not too runny. The consistency should be thick, so the Paniyaram holds its shape while cooking.
- You can customize the ingredients by adding vegetables like grated carrots or chopped spinach to the batter for added nutrition.
- If you don’t have a Paniyaram pan, you can use a regular frying pan to make thick, crispy pancakes instead.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
| Potassium | 300 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Calcium | 50 mg |
Panchratan Dal Paniyaram is a wholesome, nutritious South Indian treat that combines the goodness of millets and lentils, making it an ideal snack for health-conscious individuals. The rich combination of dals and spices offers a delightful, satisfying flavor, making this recipe a great addition to your regular meals or snack rotations.
