Gujarati Dal Dhokli – Comforting Lentil and Wheat Dumplings

 Gujarati Dal Dhokli – Comforting Lentil and Wheat Dumplings

Gujarati Dal Dhokli is a comforting one-pot dish made with spiced pigeon peas and small pieces of wheat-flour dough simmered directly in the dal. It is hearty, flavorful and perfect for a wholesome Indian lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

For the Dal

- 1 cup toor dal

- 2½ cups water

- 1 small tomato, chopped

- 1 green chili, slit

- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder

- Salt to taste

- 1 tablespoon jaggery

- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Dhokli

- 1 cup whole-wheat flour

- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder

- ½ teaspoon red chili powder

- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds

- ½ teaspoon ajwain

- Salt to taste

- 1 teaspoon oil

- Water, as needed

For Tempering

- 1 tablespoon oil or ghee

- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds

- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds

- A pinch of asafoetida

- 1–2 dried red chilies

- 6–8 curry leaves

Method

1. Cook the Dal

Wash the toor dal and pressure cook it with water and turmeric until soft.

Mash the cooked dal until smooth.

Add chopped tomato, green chili, salt and jaggery. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.

2. Prepare the Dhokli Dough

In a bowl, combine wheat flour, turmeric, red chili powder, cumin seeds, ajwain, salt and oil.

Add water gradually and knead into a firm but smooth dough.

Rest the dough for 10 minutes.

3. Roll and Cut the Dhokli

Divide the dough into small portions.

Roll each portion into a thin sheet and cut it into small diamond or square-shaped pieces.

Keep the pieces separated so they don't stick together.

4. Add the Dhokli to the Dal

Bring the dal to a gentle boil.

Add the dough pieces one at a time while stirring gently.

Cook for about 10–12 minutes, or until the dhokli pieces are soft and cooked through.

If the dal becomes too thick, add a little hot water.

5. Prepare the Tempering

Heat oil or ghee in a small pan.

Add mustard seeds and let them crackle. Add cumin seeds, asafoetida, dried red chilies and curry leaves.

Pour the tempering over the dal dhokli.

6. Finish and Serve

Add lemon juice and mix gently.

Taste and adjust the salt, jaggery or lemon juice according to your preference.

Serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

Gujarati Dal Dhokli pairs beautifully with:

- Fresh coriander

- A little ghee

- Plain yogurt

- Pickle

- Papad

Tips

- Roll the dhokli fairly thin so it cooks evenly.

- Keep the dal slightly thinner than normal because the dhokli absorbs liquid while cooking.

- Add the dhokli only after the dal reaches a gentle boil.

- Adjust the jaggery and lemon juice to get the sweet-tangy Gujarati flavor.

Final Thoughts

Gujarati Dal Dhokli is a delicious example of how simple ingredients can come together into a satisfying one-pot Indian meal. The soft wheat dumplings, tangy-sweet dal and aromatic tempering make it especially comforting when served hot.