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Copyright © 2025 Foodies Only
6 Min
23/01/2026
Dal Dhokli is a traditional Gujarati recipe, which is made from lentils and wheat dumplings. This article examines the detailed recipe of Dal Dhokli and explores how it has evolved from a festive favourite to an everyday meal, which can be easily prepared for a one-pot lunch or dinner. Dive deeper to know more.
Dal Dhokli is a traditional Gujarati dish that is often prepared in Gujarati households when a quick and warming meal is desired. The idea of dal dhokli is essentially practical, utilising leftover dal with wheat dough to transform simple and everyday ingredients into a nourishing and flavorful meal. Eventually, this one-pot recipe was adapted differently by different regions and households. Some prefer the dal to be sweeter by adding jaggery, while others prefer a tangy version by adding turmeric or kokum.
Dal dhokli is a healthy recipe, as lentils are packed with plant protein and iron. Wheat flour, on the other hand, has fibre, which aids in digestion. This dish also features the traditional Indian spices that are not only flavourful but also aid in digestion, such as cumin, mustard seeds, turmeric, and hing or asafoetida. The dish also features different textures, including warm dal with soft dumplings made from wheat, topped with coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon. This dish is the Indian equivalent of soup dumplings with a touch of Indian flavours. With modern lifestyles, less time to devote to the kitchen, this is the ideal recipe for quick lunches or dinners that also give comfort and nostalgia. Read this article to know a detailed recipe of dal dhokli.
1 cup toor dal (pigeon peas) or split yellow lentils
3–4 cups water
½ tsp turmeric powder
Salt to taste
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 tbsp semolina (optional, for texture)
1 tsp carom seeds (ajwain)
Salt to taste
Water as needed to make a soft dough
1 tbsp oil or ghee
½ tsp mustard seeds
½ tsp cumin seeds
¼ tsp asafoetida (hing)
2–3 dried red chillies
1–2 green chillies, slit
A few curry leaves
1–2 tsp jaggery (for a subtle sweetness)
1–2 tsp tamarind paste (for tanginess)
Fresh coriander leaves and lemon wedges for garnish
Here’s how you can make dal dhokli in seven simple steps
Wash the dal thoroughly and pressure cook it with 3–4 cups of water, turmeric, and a pinch of salt until it is soft. Mash lightly to create a smooth consistency, then bring to a simmer in a deep pan.
In a mixing bowl, mix whole wheat flour, semolina (if using), carom seeds, and salt. Gradually add water and knead into a soft dough. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes.
Roll the dough into a thin sheet and cut into diamond or square shapes. You can also roll small balls and flatten them slightly for a rustic look.
Once the dal is simmering, gently add the cut dhoklis to the pot. Stir carefully to prevent sticking. Cook on low heat for 10–12 minutes, or until the dhoklis are soft and fully cooked.
In a small pan, heat oil or ghee. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add dried red chillies, green chillies, curry leaves, and asafoetida. Pour this hot tempering over the simmering dal dhokli to infuse flavour.
If you prefer a slightly sweet dal, stir in jaggery. For tanginess, add tamarind paste. Mix gently and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Garnish with freshly chopped coriander and a squeeze of lemon. Serve dal dhokli in deep bowls with a side of plain yoghurt or a simple salad.
To ensure the dhoklis are smooth, rest the dough for a few minutes before rolling out the dhoklis. Do not let the dal thicken; the dhokli absorbs liquid as it cooks, so a slightly watery dal is ideal. Do not skip the tempering of dal, as the real flavour is achieved through the tempering of spices. You can keep the dal dhoklis in the fridge after preparation and reheat them when you're ready to eat. They taste better the next day when the dhoklis absorb more flavour.
Dal Dhokli is more than just a meal; it is a dish that embodies tradition, comfort, and nutrition, particularly for Gujarati people or anyone who enjoys Gujarati cuisine. With simple ingredients in the kitchen, and sometimes, even leftovers, you can make the classic one-pot dal dhokli recipe. Whether you are cooking it for a busy weekday lunch or a lazy weekend dinner, this dish will provide you with taste, nutrition, and comfort all in one.
