Introduction

 

Hey there, it's Ajay Chopra, and I'm thrilled to welcome you to my YouTube channel. Today, we're diving into a classic recipe: Dal Pakwan. But before we jump into the recipe, let me share a little personal insight. Growing up, Dal Pakwan was a staple in our household, especially during festive occasions or lazy Sunday brunches. The aroma of freshly fried pakwans and the comforting taste of dal seasoned with aromatic spices always brought the family together. It's not just a dish; it's a memory of togetherness and joy.

 

Now, let's get cooking!

 

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Recipe of Dal Pakwan

 

Ingredients:

 

For Dal:

• 2 cups Chana dal, soaked
• 1/2 tbsp Salt
• 1/2 tbsp Turmeric powder
• 1 Green chilli
• Water, as required
• 1 tbsp Amchur powder
• 1/2 tbsp Roasted jeera powder
• 1 tsp Black pepper powder
• 1/2 tbsp Red chilli powder
• 2 tbsp Oil
• 1/2 tbsp Jeera (cumin seeds)
• 1/2 tbsp Red chilli powder

For Pakwan:

• 2 cups Refined flour
• 1/2 tsp Ajwain (carom seeds)
• 1/2 tbsp Salt
• 1 tbsp Oil

For Garnish:

• 2 tbsp Chopped onion
• 1 tsp Chopped green chilli
• 1/2 tbsp Chopped coriander
• 1 tbsp Green chutney
• 1 tbsp Imli chutney (tamarind chutney)
• 1 tbsp Pomegranate seeds
• 1 tbsp Chopped tomato
• 4-5 Jalapenos

 

 

Method:

 

For Dal:

1. In a pressure cooker, add soaked chana dal, salt, turmeric powder, green chilli, and water. Cook for 2-3 whistles.
2. Once done, cook it on low flame, stirring and mashing the dal.
3. On the top of dal, add amchur powder, roasted jeera powder, black pepper powder, and red chilli powder.
4. In a pan, heat oil, add jeera and red chilli powder. Let it bloom. Pour this tempering over the dal.

For Pakwan:

1. In a bowl, mix refined flour, salt, ajwain, and oil. Rub them together.
2. Add water and knead into a semi-soft dough. Add more oil and knead again. Keep aside.
3. Divide the dough into portions. Take one portion, apply oil, and roll it into a flat circle.
4. Dock it with a fork.
5. Heat oil in a pan and deep fry pakwan until golden brown and crisp.

Assembly:

1. For Dal Pakwan: Place the pakwan on a plate, pour some dal over it. Top with chopped onion, green chilli, coriander, green chutney, imli ki chutney, and pomegranate seeds.
2. For Nachos Pakwan: Roll the dough into a flat circle, cut into nacho shapes, and deep fry until crisp.
3. To serve as Nachos Pakwan: Pour some dal on a plate, place nachos pakwan on top, and add green chutney, imli ki chutney, chopped onion, chopped tomato, jalapenos, and pomegranate seeds.

 

Enjoy your delicious Dal Pakwan!

 

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About the Recipe

 

Dal Pakwan is a traditional Sindhi dish that combines two components: dal (lentil curry) and pakwan (crispy fried bread). The lentil curry is made from a mixture of soaked and cooked lentils seasoned with a blend of spices like turmeric, cumin, and green chili. The pakwan, on the other hand, is a crispy, deep-fried bread made from a simple dough of flour, salt, and carom seeds.

 

This dish is not only delicious but also versatile. It can be enjoyed as a hearty breakfast, a satisfying snack, or even as part of a festive meal. The combination of the creamy dal and crunchy pakwan creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will keep you coming back for more.

 

 

Cooking Tips

 

1. Soak the Lentils: Make sure to soak the lentils for at least a few hours before cooking to ensure they cook evenly and become tender.
2. Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of green chili according to your spice preference. You can also add other spices like garam masala or coriander powder for extra flavor.
3. Fry Pakwan Properly: Fry the pakwan in medium-hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy. Avoid frying them on high heat, as they may become too dark and hard.
4. Serve Hot: Dal Pakwan is best enjoyed fresh and hot, so serve it immediately after frying the pakwan and heating up the dal.
5. Garnish Creatively: Garnish the dal with fresh coriander leaves, chopped onions, or a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness and flavor.

 

 

Pairing Guide

 

Dal Pakwan pairs well with a variety of accompaniments, enhancing its flavor and texture. Here are some pairing suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

 

• Chutneys: Serve with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or mango chutney for a burst of tangy and spicy flavors.
• Pickles: Enjoy with a side of spicy mango pickle or mixed vegetable pickle for an extra kick.
• Yogurt: Serve with a dollop of fresh yogurt or raita to balance out the heat from the spices.
• Fresh Salad: Pair with a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon juice and chaat masala for a refreshing contrast.

 

Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite pairing and enjoy the delightful flavors of Dal Pakwan!

 

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Frequently Asked Questions about Dal Pakwan

 

1. What is Dal Pakwan?

   • Dal Pakwan is a traditional Sindhi dish consisting of lentil curry (dal) served with crispy fried bread (pakwan).

2. What lentils are used in Dal Pakwan?

   • Typically, chana dal (split chickpeas) or moong dal (split mung beans) are used to make the lentil curry for Dal Pakwan.

3. How do you make the pakwan crispy?

   • To make the pakwan crispy, roll out the dough thinly and fry it in medium-hot oil until golden brown and crunchy.

4. Can I make Dal Pakwan ahead of time?

   • While the dal can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving, it's best to fry the pakwan just before serving to maintain their crispiness.

5. Is Dal Pakwan a vegetarian dish?

   • Yes, Dal Pakwan is a vegetarian dish as it is made from lentils and flour-based bread, without any meat or animal products.

6. What spices are used in Dal Pakwan?

   • The lentil curry is seasoned with spices like turmeric, cumin, green chili, and sometimes garam masala for added flavor.

7. Can I customize the spice level of Dal Pakwan?

   • Yes, you can adjust the amount of green chili or omit it altogether to suit your taste preferences.

8. What is the texture of Dal Pakwan like?

   • Dal Pakwan has a creamy texture from the lentil curry and a crispy texture from the fried bread, creating a delightful contrast.

9. Is Dal Pakwan served hot or cold?

   • Dal Pakwan is best enjoyed hot, so it's typically served immediately after frying the pakwan and heating up the dal.

10. What are some variations of Dal Pakwan?

    • Some variations of Dal Pakwan include adding different lentils or spices to the dal, or serving it with alternative bread like roti or naan.

 

Enjoy experimenting with Dal Pakwan and making it your own with these helpful tips and suggestions!

 

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