This traditional chana dal stuffed puri, made with chickpea lentils, is a North Indian specialty, particularly popular during festivals. Its flavor is so exceptional that it can be enjoyed without any accompanying vegetable dish.
If you're craving something new, tasty, and flavorful, you should definitely try chana dal stuffed puris. This is a traditional North Indian recipe, especially prepared during festivals. However, its taste is so delightful that you can incorporate it into your daily meals – and best of all, you can enjoy it without any side dish.
Ingredients for Chana Dal Puri
Chana dal puri is a delicious and healthy recipe that can be made for special occasions or whenever the mood strikes. These puris are crispy on the outside and flavorful on the inside. The ingredients required are readily available in most kitchens.
Ingredients
- ½ cup chana dal (chickpea lentils) – Soak in water for 4-5 hours beforehand to soften.
- 1.5 cups wheat flour – To make the puri base.
- 4-5 cloves garlic – To enhance the flavor of the lentil filling.
- 1 piece ginger – To be ground with the garlic.
- 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp ajwain (carom seeds), and a pinch of asafoetida – These aid digestion and enhance the taste.
- 1 tsp red chili powder, ½ tsp black pepper, 1 tsp coriander powder, ½ tsp turmeric, and ½ tsp garam masala – Spices that add heat and aroma to the lentil filling.
- 1 tsp dried kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) and some finely chopped cilantro – These further enhance the taste and aroma of the filling.
- Salt to taste – To balance the flavors.
- Oil – For deep frying the puris.
Easy Step-by-Step Method for Making Chana Dal Puri
Chana dal puri is a delicious and unique recipe that you can prepare for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Its flavor is tangy and spicy. If you are making it for the first time, there's no need to worry.
- Step 1: Prepare the Chana Dal: First, soak ½ cup of chana dal in water overnight or for at least 4-5 hours. In the morning, boil the soaked dal in a pressure cooker until 3 whistles. The dal shouldn't be overcooked, just soft. Allow the boiled dal to cool.
- Then, add this dal to a blender. Add 4-5 cloves of garlic, 1 piece of ginger, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp red chili powder, ½ tsp black pepper powder, and a little water. Blend coarsely. This forms the base of our stuffing.
- Step 2: Add Spices: Now, add ½ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp coriander powder, ½ tsp garam masala, 1 tsp ajwain, salt to taste, 1 tsp dried kasuri methi, and finely chopped cilantro to the ground dal. Mix everything well. Your stuffing is ready.
- Step 3: Knead the Dough: Mix 1.5 cups of wheat flour with a little salt and 1-2 tsp of oil to make a soft dough. Cover the dough and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Step 4: Make the Puris: Now, make small balls from the dough. Roll each ball into a circle, place the chana dal stuffing in the center, seal it from all sides, and gently roll it into a puri shape.
- Step 5: Fry: Heat oil in a pan. Now, fry these puris over medium heat until golden brown and crispy.
