By Akshara
January 9, 2026
Dal pakwan is a traditional Sindhi breakfast consisting of crisp fried flatbreads served with thick, spiced chana dal. The dish is defined by contrast, with crunchy pakwan paired against soft, mildly spiced dal.
1 cup chana dal 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 green chilli, finely chopped ½ tsp turmeric powder Salt to taste For tempering 1 tbsp oil ½ tsp cumin seeds ½ tsp red chilli powder For pakwan 1½ cups all-purpose flour ½ tsp carom seeds Salt to taste Water to knead Oil for deep frying
Soak chana dal for 3–4 hours, then cook until soft but holding shape.
Mash lightly and mix with onion, chilli, turmeric and salt.
Heat oil, add cumin seeds and chilli powder, and pour over the dal.
Knead a stiff dough for pakwan, roll thin discs, prick with a fork and deep fry until crisp.
Serve hot pakwan with dal, chutney and chopped onions.