Dal Dhokli: One-Pot Gujarati Comfort in a Bowl!

Dal Dhokli is a wholesome comfort meal where spiced whole wheat noodle pieces (dhokli) are simmered in a tangy, sweet Gujarati dal. It’s hearty, one-pot, and comforting—perfect for a rainy day!

Ingredients:

For Dal:

• 3/4 cup toor dal (arhar dal)
  
• 4 cups water
  
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
  
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  
• 1 tsp chili powder
  
• 2 green chilies, slit
  
• 6–8 curry leaves
  
• 1/4 tsp mustard seeds
  
• 1/4 tsp cumin seeds
  
• 1/8 tsp hing
  
• 1 tbsp ghee/oil
  
• Salt to taste
  
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
  
• 1 tbsp sugar or jaggery
  
• Fresh coriander for garnish

For Dhokli:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
  
• 2 tbsp besan
  
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
  
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
  
• 1/2 tsp ajwain
  
• 2 tsp oil
  
• Salt to taste
  
• Water (to knead into stiff dough)

Method:

1. Wash and pressure cook toor dal till soft. Mash thoroughly.
   
2. In a pot, heat ghee. Add mustard, cumin, hing, curry leaves, tomatoes, green chili. Sauté briefly.
   
3. Add mashed dal, water, haldi, chili, salt, sugar, lemon. Simmer for 10 min.
   
4. Mix all dhokli ingredients, knead dough, rest 10 min. Roll thin, cut into diamonds or squares.
   
5. Bring dal to a rolling boil. Drop dhokli pieces in, stir gently. Simmer 15–20 min until dhokli cooked and dal thickens.
6. Garnish with coriander. Serve hot with drizzle of ghee and papad.

Tips:

• Stir dal regularly after adding dhokli to prevent sticking.
  
• Adjust sweetness and tang to taste.
  
• Add roasted peanuts or a pinch of garam masala for richness.