Dal Fara is a traditional dish from the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. It's similar to the popular Dal Baati of Rajasthan but has its own unique twist. Fara consists of steamed lentil dumplings served with dal (lentil curry) and is typically enjoyed with a drizzle of ghee. A recipe for making Dal Fara:
Dal Fara:
For Fara (Lentil Dumplings):
Ingredients:
- 1 cup chana dal (split chickpeas), soaked for 2-3 hours
- 1 cup arhar dal (split pigeon peas), soaked for 2-3 hours
- 2 cups coarse wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon ginger, finely grated
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- Salt to taste
- Water for kneading
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
- Cook chana dal and arhar dal in a pressure cooker until they are soft and can be easily mashed. Drain any excess water.
- In a pan, heat oil. Add cumin seeds, grated ginger, green chilies, and asafoetida. Sauté for a minute.
- Add the cooked dal to the pan. Mix well and cook for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Let the dal filling cool.
2. Make the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine coarse wheat flour and a pinch of salt. Add water gradually and knead into a smooth, firm dough.
3. Shape the Dumplings (Fara):
- Take a small portion of the dough, roll it into a ball, and then flatten it into a small disc in the palm of your hand.
- Place a spoonful of the cooled dal filling in the center of the disc.
- Carefully fold the edges to seal the filling, forming a dumpling.
4. Steam the Dumplings:
- Arrange the dumplings on a steamer and steam for 20-25 minutes until they are cooked through.
5. For Dal (Lentil Curry):
Ingredients:
- 1 cup arhar dal (split pigeon peas), washed and soaked
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Pressure cook arhar dal until soft.
- In a pan, heat oil. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.
- Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes are soft.
- Add the cooked dal and garam masala. Mix well and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
6. Serve:
- Place the steamed fara on a plate and serve them with the prepared dal. Drizzle with ghee before serving for added flavor.
Dal Fara is a wholesome and flavorful dish that combines the goodness of lentils with the unique taste of steamed dumplings. Enjoy it as a main course for lunch or dinner!