Dhoka Dalna is a popular vegetarian dish from the Bengali cuisine of eastern India. It is made with spiced chickpea flour dumplings, also known as Dhoka, that are cooked in a flavorful tomato-based gravy with potatoes.
To make Dhoka, chickpea flour is mixed with spices, like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder, and then shaped into small dumplings. These dumplings are then fried until crispy and golden brown.
For the gravy, onions, garlic, and ginger are sautéed in oil until softened, and then tomato puree and a blend of aromatic spices are added to create a rich and flavorful sauce. Potatoes are also added to the gravy to create a hearty and satisfying dish.
Reasons to Make Dhoka Dalna
There are several health benefits to eating Dhoka Dalna:
- High in Protein: Chickpea flour, which is the main ingredient in Dhoka, is high in protein and is an excellent source of plant-based protein.
- Rich in Fiber: Chickpea flour is also rich in fiber, which is important for digestive health and maintaining a feeling of fullness.
- Low in Fat: Dhoka Dalna is typically low in fat, making it a good option for those looking to maintain a healthy weight and reduce their fat intake.
- Packed with Vitamins and Minerals: Dhoka Dalna contains several essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and vitamin B6.
- Vegetarian: As a vegetarian dish, Dhoka Dalna is a great option for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Overall, Dhoka Dalna is a delicious and nutritious dish that is full of flavor and satisfying textures. Whether you are looking to explore traditional Bengali cuisine or simply looking for a healthy and delicious vegetarian meal, Dhoka Dalna is definitely worth a try.
While traditional Dhoka in Dhoka Dalna is typically deep-fried to achieve a crispy exterior, you can try using an air fryer to make a healthier version.
To air-fry Dhoka for Dhoka Dalna, you will need to first prepare the Dhoka by mixing chickpea flour with spices and water, shaping it into small dumplings, and then air-frying them until golden brown and crispy. You can also lightly spray the Dhoka with oil to help achieve a crispy texture.
Once the Dhoka is air fried, you can then prepare the tomato-based gravy with potatoes on the stovetop, just as you would for traditional Dhoka Dalna. Once the gravy is simmered, and the potatoes are tender, you can add the air-fried Dhoka to the gravy and let it cook for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
Using an air fryer to make Dhoka for Dhoka Dalna is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it can help reduce the amount of oil used in the dish, resulting in a lower calorie and fat content. Additionally, air-fried Dhoka will still have a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, making it a great option for those looking to enjoy a healthier version of this delicious Bengali dish.
Dhokar Dalna is a popular Bengali dish made with gram flour dumplings simmered in a spicy tomato-based curry. Here's a simple recipe to make Dhokar Dalna:
Ingredients
- 1 cup Gram Flour (Besan)
- 2 tablespoons Rice Flour
- 2 Green Chilies, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 2 cups Water
- Oil for deep-frying
For the Curry
- 2 Tomatoes, chopped
- 1 Onion, chopped
- 2 Green Chilies, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon Cumin Powder
- 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder
- 1 teaspoon Red Chili Powder
- ½ teaspoon Garam Masala Powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons Oil
- 1 cup Water
Instructions
- To make the dumplings, mix together gram flour, rice flour, green chilies, salt, turmeric, and water to form a batter.
- Heat oil in a deep pan and drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- To make the curry, heat oil in a saucepan and add the chopped onions, green chilies, minced garlic, and ginger paste. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they are soft and mushy.
- Add cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Cook for a couple of minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in 1 cup of water and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the fried dumplings to the curry and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Serve hot with rice or bread.
Enjoy your delicious and flavorful Dhokar Dalna!
📖 Recipe
Dhoka Dalna Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Gram Flour, Besan
- 2 tablespoons Rice Flour
- 2 Green Chilies, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 2 cups Water
- Oil for deep-frying
For the Curry
- 2 Tomatoes, chopped
- 1 Onion, chopped
- 2 Green Chilies, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon Cumin Powder
- 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder
- 1 teaspoon Red Chili Powder
- ½ teaspoon Garam Masala Powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons Oil
- 1 cup Water
Instructions
- To make the dumplings, mix together gram flour, rice flour, green chilies, salt, turmeric, and water to form a batter.1 cup Gram Flour, 2 tablespoons Rice Flour, 2 Green Chilies, 1 teaspoon Salt, 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder, 2 cups Water
- Heat oil in a deep pan and drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.Oil for deep-frying
- To make the curry, heat oil in a saucepan and add the chopped onions, green chilies, minced garlic, and ginger paste. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent.1 Onion, 2 Green Chilies, 2 cloves Garlic, 2 tablespoons Oil, 1 teaspoon Ginger paste
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they are soft and mushy.2 Tomatoes
- Add cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Cook for a couple of minutes until fragrant.1 teaspoon Cumin Powder, 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder, 1 teaspoon Red Chili Powder, ½ teaspoon Garam Masala Powder, Salt to taste
- Pour in 1 cup of water and bring the mixture to a boil.1 cup Water
- Add the fried dumplings to the curry and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Serve hot with rice or bread.
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