Dal Pitha Recipe (with wheat flour & healthy) A Flavorful Delight

For the filling:

1. Rinse the lentils (moong dal, chana dal, and urad dal) and soak them in water for at least 2 hours.
2. Drain the lentils and transfer them to a pressure cooker or a pot. Add enough water to cover the lentils and cook until they are soft and well-cooked. This should take about 2-3 whistles in a pressure cooker or 30-40 minutes in a pot.
3. Once cooked, drain any excess water from the lentils and mash them using a potato masher or a food processor. The lentils should have a smooth texture, with no large chunks.
4. In a pan, heat some oil or ghee and add cumin seeds. Once the cumin seeds splutter, add chopped onion, green chilies, and ginger. Saute for a few minutes until the onion turns translucent.
5. Add coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well and saute for another minute.
6. Add the mashed lentils to the pan and mix well. Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the filling becomes dry and comes together. Turn off the heat and let it cool.

For the dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the wheat flour and salt. Mix well.
2. Add water gradually and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and pliable. The dough should not be too sticky or too dry.
3. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

To make the Pithas:

1. Divide the dough into small equal-sized balls.
2. Take a ball and roll it out into a small circle on a lightly floured surface. The circle should be thin, about 3-4 inches in diameter.
3. Place a spoonful of the prepared filling in the center of the circle.
4. Fold the circle over the filling and press the edges to seal the Pitha.
5. Repeat the same process for the remaining dough balls and filling.
6. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add salt to the water.
7. Gently drop the Pithas into the boiling water and let them cook for about 8-10 minutes or until they start floating on the surface.
8. Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked Pithas from the water and place them on a plate.
9. Heat some ghee or oil in a pan and fry the Pithas until they turn golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, you can also roast them on a griddle.
10. Serve hot with ghee, yogurt, or chutney.

Serving suggestions:

Dal Pitha can be served in a variety of ways depending on your preference. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Dal Pitha is best enjoyed hot, straight from the pan. Drizzle some ghee over the Pithas and serve them hot with yogurt or chutney on the side. You can serve iT as a tea-time snack. Pair it with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delicious and satisfying snack.
• Serve Dal Pitha as a full meal. Serve it with a side of sabzi (vegetable dish) or raita (yogurt-based side dish) for a complete and balanced meal.
• Serve it with a cup of chai or coffee for a quick and easy breakfast. Dal Pitha is a great option for a lunchbox. Pack it with some salad or fruit for a balanced and nutritious meal.
• Serve dal Pitha with some spicy pickle on the side for a tangy and flavorful twist.
• You can also fry or roast the dal Pithas for a crispy and crunchy texture. Serve them with some mint chutney or ketchup for a delicious snack.

Tips:

• Soaking the lentils for a few hours helps them cook faster and more evenly.
• Make sure to mash the cooked lentils well to get a smooth texture for the filling. This will also help the filling hold together better.
• Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You can add more spices or salt if needed.
• When rolling the dough, make sure it is thin enough to hold the filling, but not too thin that it tears easily.
• Do not overcrowd the pot when boiling the Pithas. Cook them in small batches to ensure they cook evenly.

Variations:

•  You can make sweet Pithas by adding jaggery or sugar to the lentil filling. You can also add grated coconut, cardamom powder, and raisins for extra flavor.
• For a spicier version, add more green chilies or red chili powder to the filling.
• Instead of using just one type of lentil, you can mix different types of lentils for a more nutritious filling.
• You can add grated vegetables like carrots or zucchini to the lentil filling for added crunch and nutrition.
• Instead of frying or boiling, you can also bake the Pithas in the oven for a healthier version. Brush them with some oil or ghee before baking to get a crispy texture.
• If you are gluten intolerant, you can use gluten-free flour like rice flour or chickpea flour to make the dough.

1. Lentils are an excellent source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, as well as maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails.
2. Dal Pitha contains a good amount of fiber, which helps in regulating digestion, prevent constipation, and lowering cholesterol levels.
3. The low glycemic index of lentils in dal Pitha helps in controlling blood sugar levels and keeping them stable, making it a good option for people with diabetes.
4. Lentils are a good source of iron, which is essential for carrying oxygen to the body’s cells and tissues.
5. Dal Pitha contains essential vitamins and minerals like folate, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6, which are important for maintaining good health.
6. Dal Pitha is a low-fat dish, which makes it a good option for people who are watching their calorie intake and trying to maintain a healthy weight.

1. What is dal Pitha?

• Dal Pitha is a traditional dish from the Indian subcontinent, made with lentil filling enclosed in wheat flour dough and boiled or steamed.

2. What are the ingredients of dal Pitha?

• The main ingredients of dal Pitha include lentils, wheat flour, onion, green chilies, garlic, ginger, and spices like cumin seeds, coriander powder, and turmeric.

3. What are the health benefits of dal Pitha?

• Dal Pitha is a nutritious dish that offers a number of health benefits, including being a good source of protein and fiber, containing essential vitamins and minerals, and being low in fat.

7. Can dal Pitha be fried instead of boiled?

• Yes, dal Pitha can be fried instead of boiled to give it a crispy texture. However, frying the Pithas can add extra calories, so it should be consumed in moderation.

1. How can I store leftover dal Pitha?

• You can store Leftover dal Pitha in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, steam the Pithas for a few minutes or microwave them for 30 seconds to a minute.