Dal Dhokli (Varan Phal)

Dal Dhokli or Varan phal is a popular dish of Gujarat & Maharashtra. It can be called as Indian pasta. Strips of wheat dough are cooked in dal which is tempered with various Indian spices. The end result is spicy, sweet & tangy tongue tickling dal. This can be served as one pot meal or can be accompanied with steamed rice. Fresh Dollop of ghee is must have for this recipe.

Ingredients

1 cup cooked turdal

1 chopped tomato

Handful of boiled peanuts

2 petals of kokum

1 lemon

2 tbsp jaggery

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp red chilli powder

2 tsp coriander cumin powder

Salt to taste

2 tpsp oil

1 tbsp ghee

Coriander to garnish

To Temper

1/2 tsp methi seeds

1 tsp mustard seeds

1/2 cumin seeds

2 cloves

1 inch cinnamon stick

Pinch of hing

10-12 curry leaves

2 dried red chilies

To make Dhokli

1 1/2 cup wheat flour

Salt to taste

1/4 tsp turmeric powder

1/4 tsp red chilli powder

1/2 tsp coriander cumin powder

1 tsp oil

Method

Make a tight dough with the ingredients mentioned under to make dhokli. Cover &Rest it for 15 minutes .

Pressure cook the dal. Dal has to be cooked thoroughly. Mash the dal. Mix 2 cups hot water and keep aside.

Now temper the dal with ingredients mentioned under to temper. Add chopped tomatoes and allow it to get cooked.

Mix the dal. Add all dry spices and peanuts. Add kokum & jaggery. Adjust salt as per taste. Bring it to rolling boil.

Now knead the dhokli dough & pinch Chapati size balls. Make flat rotis. Cut them into strips of desired shape.

Add one by one to the boiling dal. Let it simmer for 7-8 minutes or till the dhoklis are cooked. Take care not to disturb the dhoklis while cooking else they will break.

Garnish with coriander leaves. Squeeze lemon juice before serving. Dal Dhokli or varan phal is ready to be served. Serve hot with dollop of ghee.