Dal Baati Churma is a traditional and iconic Rajasthani dish that consists of three key components: "Dal" (spiced lentil soup), "Baati" (baked wheat bread rolls), and "Churma" (sweet crumbled mixture). A step-by-step guide to preparing this delightful Rajasthani meal:
Ingredients:
For Baati (Baked Wheat Rolls):
- 2 cups of whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup of semolina (sooji)
- 1/2 cup of ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- Water for kneading
For Dal (Spiced Lentil Soup):
- 1 cup of tuvar dal (split pigeon pea lentils)
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon of ghee
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon of asafoetida (hing)
- 2-3 green chilies, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of ginger, grated
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
For Churma (Sweet Crumbled Mixture):
- 1 cup of whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup of ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom powder
- Chopped almonds and pistachios for garnish
Instructions:
Making Baati (Baked Wheat Rolls):
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, semolina, ghee, and salt.
2. Gradually add water and knead the mixture into a stiff dough. The dough should not be too soft.
3. Divide the dough into small, equal-sized portions and shape them into round balls (baatis).
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
5. Place the baatis on a baking tray and bake them for about 40-45 minutes or until they turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
Preparing Dal (Spiced Lentil Soup):
1. Wash the tuvar dal thoroughly and pressure cook it with water, turmeric, and salt until it's soft and mushy (usually takes 2-3 whistles).
2. In a separate pan, heat ghee. Add cumin seeds and asafoetida.
3. Add chopped green chilies and grated ginger. Sauté for a minute.
4. Add chopped tomatoes, red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and the oil starts to separate.
5. Add the cooked tuvar dal to the spice mixture and bring it to a boil. If the dal is too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding water.
Making Churma (Sweet Crumbled Mixture):
1. Heat ghee in a pan and add the whole wheat flour.
2. Roast the flour over low heat until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma.
3. Turn off the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
4. Add powdered sugar and cardamom powder to the roasted flour. Mix well to combine.
Serving Dal Baati Churma:
1. To serve, place the baatis on a plate and crush them slightly.
2. Pour the hot dal over the crushed baatis.
3. Serve the churma on the side as a sweet accompaniment.
4. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and chopped almonds and pistachios.
Enjoy your homemade Dal Baati Churma, a classic Rajasthani meal that offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures!