Are you tired of throwing away leftover dal? Why not turn it into a delicious and nutritious breakfast with this simple Dal Paratha recipe? Dal Paratha is a savory, stuffed flatbread made from leftover dal (lentils) mixed with whole wheat flour, spices, and herbs. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for a hearty breakfast.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this scrumptious dish that will have everyone praising your cooking skills.
Ingredients:
- For the dough:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- ½ cup leftover dal (any kind of dal works, like toor, moong, or masoor)
- Water (as needed to knead the dough)
- 1 tbsp oil or ghee (optional)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp ajwain (carom seeds) or cumin seeds (optional)
- For the stuffing:
- ½ cup leftover dal (more or less, depending on your preference)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp garam masala or cumin powder
- ½ tsp red chili powder
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- Salt to taste
- For cooking:
- Ghee or oil, for frying
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, add 1 cup of whole wheat flour, leftover dal, salt, and ajwain/cumin seeds (if using).
- Gradually add water and knead into a smooth dough. The dal will make the dough slightly soft, so adjust the water accordingly.
- If the dough feels sticky, add a little more flour. Let the dough rest for 15-20 minutes, covered with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
2. Make the Stuffing:
- Heat a little oil in a pan and sauté the chopped onions (if using) and green chilies until golden.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute.
- Stir in the leftover dal, along with garam masala, red chili powder, and salt.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. If it’s too thick, you can add a little water to adjust the consistency.
- Turn off the heat and mix in the chopped coriander leaves. Let the filling cool down.
3. Assemble the Parathas:
- Once the dough has rested, divide it into small equal-sized balls (about the size of a golf ball).
- Roll each dough ball into a small disc (about 3-4 inches in diameter).
- Place a spoonful of the dal filling in the center of the disc, then fold the edges over to encase the filling completely.
- Gently roll the stuffed dough ball into a smooth ball again, and then flatten it into a round paratha using a rolling pin. Be gentle so that the filling doesn’t spill out.
4. Cook the Parathas:
- Heat a tava or flat griddle over medium heat. Once hot, place the stuffed paratha on the griddle.
- Cook for about 1-2 minutes on one side until you see bubbles forming. Flip it over and apply a little ghee or oil on the cooked side.
- Flip again and apply ghee/oil on the other side. Cook until both sides are golden brown and crispy.
- Repeat the process for the remaining parathas.
5. Serve:
- Serve hot dal parathas with a dollop of yogurt, pickle, or even a fresh salad for a complete breakfast.
Tips for the Best Dal Parathas:
- Use Thick Leftover Dal: If your dal is too runny, it can make the paratha dough too soft. Let the dal thicken up or reduce it before using.
- Customize the Filling: Add extra ingredients like grated cheese, chopped spinach, or even mashed potatoes to make the filling richer.
- Add Flavorful Spices: Experiment with adding turmeric, carom seeds, or dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) to the dough for additional flavor.
- Cook on Low Flame: Ensure the parathas are cooked on a medium to low flame so they cook through and become crispy on the outside without burning.
Conclusion:
Dal Paratha is a great way to repurpose leftover dal, creating a new dish that’s filling, nutritious, and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re looking for a new breakfast idea or a quick lunch, these dal-filled flatbreads are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. With the perfect balance of spices, this simple recipe will elevate your cooking game, and you’ll receive compliments from everyone around. Try it today and enjoy this delightful twist on a traditional Indian breakfast!
