Dal Baati Churma

Dal Baati Churma is the signature dish of Rajasthan, a combination of three elements: spiced lentil curry (Dal), baked wheat dumplings (Baati), and a sweet crumbled wheat dish (Churma). This hearty and wholesome meal showcases the rustic flavors of Rajasthan.

Ingredients:

For Dal (Lentil Soup):

• 1 cup Toor dal (yellow pigeon peas)
• 1/2 cup Moong dal (yellow split gram)
• 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
• 1 tablespoon Ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon Asafoetida (Hing)
• 1 medium-sized Onion, finely chopped
• 2 Tomatoes, chopped
• 1-2 Green chilies, slit
• 1 teaspoon Ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 teaspoon Garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing

For Baati (Wheat Flour Dumplings):

• 2 cups Whole wheat flour
• 1/4 teaspoon Baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Ghee
• Warm water (as needed)
• Ghee (for brushing the Baatis)

For Churma (Sweet Crumble):

• 1/2 cup Whole wheat flour
• 1/4 teaspoon Cardamom powder
• 1/2 cup Jaggery, grated
• 1/4 cup Ghee
• Chopped nuts (optional)
• A pinch of saffron strands (optional)

Instructions:

For Dal:

1. Cook the Lentils: In a pressure cooker, add Toor dal, Moong dal, turmeric powder, and enough water. Cook for 3-4 whistles until soft.
2. Prepare the Tadka (Tempering): Heat ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds, asafoetida, and sauté until fragrant. Add chopped onions and cook until golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute. Add tomatoes, green chilies, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes soften.
3. Combine: Add the cooked lentils to the pan and mix well. Add water to adjust consistency. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and garam masala.

For Baati:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine wheat flour, salt, baking soda, and ghee. Gradually add warm water to knead into a smooth, firm dough. Let it rest for 20 minutes.
2. Shape the Baatis: Divide the dough into 8-10 equal portions. Roll them into round balls and gently flatten them.
3. Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the Baatis on a baking tray and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway, until golden brown.
4. Brush with Ghee: Once done, immediately brush the Baatis with warm ghee.

For Churma:

1. Prepare the Dough: Combine whole wheat flour, cardamom powder, and ghee. Add enough water to make a stiff dough.
2. Fry the Dough: Shape the dough into small balls and flatten them into thick discs. Deep fry in hot ghee until golden and crispy.
3. Crush and Sweeten: Once fried, crush the Baatis into small pieces using a mortar and pestle. Add grated jaggery, saffron strands (optional), and chopped nuts if using. Mix well until everything is combined.

To Serve:

• Serve the Baatis with hot Dal, and top with a generous portion of Churma. Traditionally, Baati is dipped in the Dal for added flavor.

Benefits of Key Ingredients:

• Toor Dal (Pigeon Peas):
  • Rich in Protein: Helps build and repair tissues.
  • Fiber: Supports digestive health and regulates blood sugar.
• Moong Dal (Yellow Split Gram):
  • Easy to Digest: Suitable for sensitive stomachs.
  • Rich in Folate: Essential for red blood cell production.
• Whole Wheat Flour (for Baati):
  • High in Fiber: Improves digestion and prevents constipation.
  • Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Contains magnesium, iron, and vitamin B6, supporting energy production and bone health.
• Ghee:
  • Rich in Butyrate: Supports gut health and reduces inflammation.
  • Fat-Soluble Vitamins: Contains vitamin A, D, E, and K, beneficial for immune function, vision, and skin health.
• Jaggery (for Churma):
  • Rich in Iron: Helps prevent anemia and increases hemoglobin levels.
  • Digestive Aid: Promotes digestive health by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes.
• Cumin Seeds:
  • Supports Digestion: Relieves bloating and improves digestion.
  • Rich in Antioxidants: Helps fight free radicals and supports immune health.
• Turmeric Powder:
  • Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces inflammation and promotes joint health.
  • Antioxidant: Boosts immunity and helps in detoxification.
• Cardamom Powder (in Churma):
• • Digestive Aid: Alleviates bloating and gas.
  • Rich in Antioxidants: Supports overall health and well-being.