Pakwan Dal Recipe

Cooking Directions

• STEP 1.Rinse the lentils thoroughly and soak them in water for 30 minutes.
• STEP 2.In a pressure cooker, add the soaked lentils, water, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook for 4-5 whistles or until the lentils are soft and mushy.
• STEP 3.In a separate pan, heat oil and add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and asafoetida. Let them splutter.
• STEP 4.Add chopped onions, ginger, and garlic to the pan and saut茅 until the onions turn golden brown.
• STEP 5.Add chopped tomatoes, green chilies, and spices like red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and the spices are well combined.
• STEP 6.Add the cooked lentils to the pan and mix well. Adjust the consistency by adding water if needed. Simmer for 5-10 minutes.
• STEP 7.For the pakwan, mix all-purpose flour, semolina, salt, and carom seeds in a bowl. Knead into a stiff dough using water.
• STEP 8.Divide the dough into small portions and roll them into thin circles. Prick the circles with a fork to prevent puffing while frying.
• STEP 9.Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the rolled dough circles until golden and crispy.
• STEP 10.Serve the Pakwan Dal hot, garnished with chopped coriander leaves and accompanied by the crispy pakwan.

Cooking Tips

• Soaking the lentils helps in reducing the cooking time and makes them easier to digest.
• Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by adding more or less chili powder and green chilies.
• You can add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to enhance the flavors of the dal.
• Make sure the pakwan dough is rolled thin to achieve a crispy texture.
• Store any leftover dal and pakwan separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the dal before serving and fry the pakwan again for a few seconds to regain its crispiness.

Storage and Serving

• Leftover Pakwan Dal can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat the dal in a pan or microwave before serving.
• Serve Pakwan Dal as a main course dish with rice or Indian bread like roti or naan.
• You can also enjoy it as a snack or appetizer by serving the dal with the crispy pakwan on the side.
• Garnish the dal with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot for the best flavors.