Jharkhand Dal Peethi Recipe
Dal Peethi, a traditional Bihari dish from Jharkhand, is a comforting and flavorful vegetarian delight that is perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner. Made with a variety of lentils and soft dumplings, this dish is full of warmth and delicious spices, making it a wholesome meal. Let’s dive into the rich flavors and simple preparation of this classic recipe.
Ingredients
For the Dal:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Yellow Moong Dal (Split) | 2 tablespoons |
| Masoor Dal (Whole) | 2 tablespoons |
| Chana Dal (Bengal Gram) | 2 tablespoons |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garlic Paste | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | A pinch |
| Dry Red Chilli | 1 piece |
| Salt | To taste |
For the Dumplings:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1/2 cup |
| Water | As required to make dough |
| Salt | A pinch |
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Bihari
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Dumplings
- Begin by kneading the wheat flour with enough water to form a soft dough. Add a pinch of salt to the dough and knead well until smooth. Cover it with a damp cloth and set it aside to rest for about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Cooking the Dal
- In a pressure cooker, combine the yellow moong dal, masoor dal, and chana dal. Wash them thoroughly under cold running water to remove any impurities.
- Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, garam masala powder, salt, and garlic paste to the dal mixture.
- Pour 4-5 cups of water into the pressure cooker and close the lid. Cook the dal on medium heat for 4 whistles or until the lentils become soft and fully cooked.
Step 3: Shaping and Adding Dumplings
- While the dal is cooking, take the rested dough and divide it into small portions.
- Roll out each portion into small discs (about 2-3 inches in diameter). Bring the edges of each disc towards the center, leaving the middle hollow, creating a flower-like shape with the dough.
- Once the pressure cooker is safe to open, gently drop these dumplings (called peethi) into the cooked dal.
- Let the dal simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the dumplings to cook and absorb the flavors. If the dal thickens too much, you can add a little water to adjust the consistency.
Step 4: Tempering
- For tempering, heat ghee in a small pan. Add cumin seeds, asafoetida (hing), dry red chilli, chopped onions, and garlic paste.
- Sauté the tempering until the onions turn golden brown and the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Once done, pour the tempering over the cooked dal and dumplings (peethi), allowing the flavors to infuse.
Step 5: Final Touches
- Give the dal a final stir and let it simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the tempering to blend in well with the dal and dumplings.
- Your Dal Peethi is now ready to serve!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the warm and flavorful Dal Peethi alongside Boondi Raita, Phulka (Indian flatbread), and a refreshing Kachumber Salad for a wholesome, well-rounded meal.
- This dish is perfect for weekday meals, bringing together a balance of hearty lentils and light, flavorful dumplings.
Additional Notes:
- Dal Peethi is a comforting dish with rich spices, perfect for chilly weather. The addition of dumplings to the dal creates a satisfying texture and flavor.
- You can adjust the spiciness of the dish by controlling the amount of red chilli powder and green chilies used in the tempering.
- The dough for the dumplings should be soft but not too sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little extra flour to achieve the right consistency.
- This recipe is versatile, and you can also add some fresh cilantro leaves as a garnish for extra flavor and color.
Enjoy the taste of Jharkhand with this delicious Dal Peethi recipe, a comforting, flavorful dish that can easily become a favorite at the dinner table!
