Introduction:

 

Let me take you on a journey to a warm summer day, where the scorching sun was tamed only by the promise of a refreshing treat awaiting us at home. Dahi Bhalla—a cherished delight that has been a part of my family gatherings for as long as I can remember. I vividly recall the excitement of helping my grandmother prepare this dish, eagerly awaiting the moment when we would indulge in its creamy goodness. From soaking the lentils to whipping up the yogurt, every step was a labor of love, resulting in the most satisfying burst of flavors with every bite.

 

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Recipe of Dahi Bhalla

 

Ingredients:

 

• 1 cup washed/split White Gram (urad dal)
• 4-5 slices of Bread
• 1/4 cup Milk
• 1 tsp Baking Soda
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup Curd (yogurt)
• 1 tsp Black Salt
• 2 tsp Sugar
• 1 tbsp Asafoetida (hing)
• Oil for frying
• Raisins and chopped Cashews for stuffing

For Garnish:

• Red and Green Chutney
• Roasted Cumin Powder
• Red Chilli Powder
• Ginger Juliennes
• Sliced Green Chilli
• Raw Coriander Powder
• Yellow Chilli Powder
• Black Salt
• Fresh sprigs of Coriander and Mint

 

 

Method:

 

1. Soak and Grind the Dal:

   • Soak 1 cup of washed and split white gram (urad dal) overnight. Drain the water the next day and grind it into a smooth paste using a blender.

2. Prepare Bread Paste:

   • Soak 4-5 slices of bread in 1/4 cup of milk. Mash the soaked bread slices with a spatula to make a smooth paste.

3. Mix Dal Batter and Bread Paste:

   • Mix the ground dal batter with the bread paste thoroughly.

4. Add Baking Soda and Salt:

   • Add 1 tsp of baking soda and salt to taste to the batter mixture. Mix well.

5. Prepare Curd Mixture:

   • In a separate bowl, whisk 1 cup of curd until smooth. Add 1 tsp black salt and 2 tsp sugar to the curd and mix well.

6. Prepare Asafoetida Water:

   • Mix 1 tbsp asafoetida in 1 cup of water.

7. Stuff and Fry the Bhallas:

   • Take a small portion of the batter and embed a few raisins and chopped cashews in it. Make small balls and deep fry them in hot oil until golden brown.

8. Soak and Squeeze the Bhallas:

   • Once fried, transfer the bhallas directly into the asafoetida water mixture. Allow them to soak for a few minutes, then squeeze out the excess water.

9. Soak Bhallas in Curd:

   • Dip the squeezed bhallas into the prepared curd mixture and let them soak for a while.

10. Plate and Garnish:

• Plate the soaked bhallas and pour some extra curd over them. Drizzle red and green chutney on top.
• Sprinkle roasted cumin powder, red chilli powder, raw coriander powder, yellow chilli powder, and black salt over the bhallas.
• Garnish with ginger juliennes, sliced green chilli, and fresh coriander and mint sprigs.

 

Serve:

• Serve the delicious dahi bhallas immediately and enjoy!

 

This delightful snack is sure to tantalize your taste buds with its burst of flavors and textures. Enjoy your homemade dahi bhallas!

 

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About the Recipe:

 

Dahi Bhalla, also known as Dahi Vada, is a popular Indian street food and snack that features lentil dumplings soaked in creamy yogurt and topped with tangy chutneys and spices. The lentil dumplings, known as bhallas, are made from a mixture of soaked and ground lentils, which are then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. Once fried, the bhallas are soaked in water to remove excess oil and then immersed in beaten yogurt seasoned with spices like cumin, salt, and chaat masala. The dish is typically garnished with tamarind chutney, green chutney, and a sprinkle of roasted cumin powder and red chili powder for added flavor. Dahi Bhalla is loved for its contrasting textures and flavors, making it a favorite street food snack across India.

 

 

Cooking Tips:

 

1. Soaking the Lentils: Ensure that the lentils are soaked for an adequate amount of time to soften them and facilitate easy grinding.
2. Consistency of Batter: The batter for the bhallas should be thick enough to hold its shape when dropped into hot oil but not too thick that it becomes dense.
3. Frying Temperature: Maintain the oil at the right temperature while frying the bhallas to achieve a crispy exterior and a soft interior.
4. Squeezing Out Excess Water: After soaking the fried bhallas in water, gently squeeze them to remove excess water before adding them to the beaten yogurt.
5. Chilling Time: Allow the assembled Dahi Bhallas to chill in the refrigerator for some time before serving to enhance their flavor and texture.

 

 

Pairing Guide:

 

• Beverages: Pair Dahi Bhalla with a refreshing beverage like sweet lassi or masala chaas to balance out the flavors and cool the palate.
• Side Dish: Serve Dahi Bhalla alongside other street food favorites like samosas, pakoras, and papdi chaat for a complete and satisfying meal.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions about Dahi Bhalla:

 

1. What is the difference between Dahi Bhalla and Dahi Vada?

   • Dahi Bhalla and Dahi Vada are essentially the same dish, with different names used in different regions of India. In some regions, it is referred to as Dahi Bhalla, while in others, it is known as Dahi Vada.

2. Can I make Dahi Bhalla in advance?

   • Yes, you can prepare the lentil dumplings and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Assemble and serve them with yogurt and chutneys when ready to eat.

3. What type of lentils are used to make Dahi Bhalla?

   • Dahi Bhalla is traditionally made using urad dal (black gram lentils), which are soaked, ground, and then fried to make the dumplings.

4. How long should I soak the lentils for Dahi Bhalla?

   • Soak the lentils for at least 4-6 hours or overnight to ensure they soften adequately for grinding.

5. Can I adjust the spiciness of Dahi Bhalla according to my preference?

   • Yes, you can adjust the amount of green chilies and red chili powder used in the recipe to suit your taste preferences.

6. What are the essential garnishes for Dahi Bhalla?

   • The essential garnishes for Dahi Bhalla include tamarind chutney, green chutney, roasted cumin powder, red chili powder, and chopped fresh coriander leaves.

7. Can I use store-bought yogurt for Dahi Bhalla?

   • Yes, you can use store-bought yogurt for making Dahi Bhalla, but homemade yogurt adds a fresher and creamier taste to the dish.

8. Is Dahi Bhalla a healthy snack option?

   • While Dahi Bhalla is delicious, it is deep-fried and contains yogurt, which can be high in calories. Enjoy it in moderation as an occasional treat.

9. Can I make Dahi Bhalla without deep-frying?

   • Yes, you can steam the lentil dumplings instead of deep-frying them to make a healthier version of Dahi Bhalla.

10. What are some variations of Dahi Bhalla?

    • Some popular variations of Dahi Bhalla include adding boiled potatoes or sprouts to the lentil batter, or topping it with sev.

 

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