Learn How To Easily Prepare Delicious Dal Baati Chokha At Home

Dal Baati Chokha is a quintessential Rajasthani meal that represents the rich culinary heritage of the Indian desert state of Rajasthan.

Dal Baati Chokha is a classic Rajasthani dish that combines hearty lentil soup (dal), baked bread rolls (baati), and a spiced vegetable mash (chokha). Here's a recipe to make this flavorful dish at home:

Dal

1. Ingredients

- 1 cup toor dal (pigeon peas)

- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds

- 1 tablespoon ghee or oil

- 2-3 dried red chilies

- 1 medium onion, finely chopped

- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 inch ginger, minced

- 2 tomatoes, chopped

- 1 teaspoon coriander powder

- 1 teaspoon cumin powder

- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala

- Salt to taste

- Fresh cilantro for garnish

2. Instructions

Step 1- Cook the Dal:

Rinse the toor dal and cook it in a pressure cooker with 2-3 cups of water and turmeric powder until soft (about 3-4 whistles). Alternatively, you can cook it in a pot but it will take longer.

Step 2- Prepare the Tadka:

Heat ghee or oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and dried red chilies. Once they start to splutter, add chopped onions and saut until golden brown.

Step 3- Add Aromatics:

Add minced garlic and ginger, and cook for a minute until fragrant.

Step 4- Cook Tomatoes:

Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and the oil starts to separate.

Step 5- Spice It Up:

Add coriander powder, cumin powder, and garam masala. Mix well.

Step 6- Combine:

Add the cooked dal to the spice mixture and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt.

Step 7- Garnish:

Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Baati

1. Ingredients

- 2 cups whole wheat flour

- 1/2 cup semolina (sooji)

- 1/2 cup ghee or melted butter

- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (ajwain) (optional)

- Salt to taste

- Water as needed

2. Instructions

Step 1- Prepare Dough:

In a large bowl, mix whole wheat flour, semolina, baking powder, caraway seeds (if using), and salt. Add ghee and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 2-Make the Dough:

Gradually add water to form a stiff dough. Knead it for a few minutes until smooth. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.

Step 3- Shape Baatis:

Divide the dough into small balls. Flatten them slightly to form round discs.

Step 4- Bake:

Preheat your oven to 180 C (350 F). Place the baatis on a baking tray and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crisp. You can also cook them in a tandoor or on an open flame for a smoky flavor.

Step 5- Soak in Ghee:

Once baked, soak the baatis in warm ghee for a few minutes for extra richness (optional).

Chokha

1. Ingredients

- 2 medium-sized potatoes

- 1 eggplant (brinjal)

- 2 tomatoes

- 2-3 green chilies, chopped

- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds

- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1 teaspoon coriander powder

- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder

- Salt to taste

- Fresh cilantro for garnish

- 1 tablespoon mustard oil

2. Instructions

Step 1- Cook Vegetables:

Roast or boil the potatoes, eggplant, and tomatoes until they are soft. Peel and mash them together in a bowl.

Step 2- Prepare Tadka:

Heat mustard oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add chopped green chilies.

Step 3- Add Spices:

Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.

Step 4- Combine:

Add the mashed vegetables to the pan and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5- Garnish:

Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Serving

Serve the dal hot with baati, and accompany it with chokha on the side. You can also add a dollop of ghee on top of the baati and dal for extra richness. Enjoy this traditional and comforting Rajasthani meal!