Health
Dahi Bhalla is a popular and delicious Indian snack that consists of soft, fluffy lentil dumplings soaked in chilled yogurt and topped with a variety of tangy chutneys and spices. It is a perfect treat for hot days, festive occasions, or even as a light meal. Making these soft, cloud-like dahi bhallas at home might seem challenging, but with the right ingredients and technique, you can easily prepare them to perfection. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to make light, soft, and melt-in-your-mouth dahi bhalla.
Ingredients You Will Need:
For the Bhallas (lentil dumplings):
- 1 cup Urad dal (split black gram)
- 1 tablespoon Moong dal (yellow split gram) – optional
- 1 green chili, finely chopped
- 1-inch ginger piece, grated or finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon Cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Water (for soaking and grinding)
For the Yogurt:
- 2 cups plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- Salt to taste
For Garnishing:
- Tamarind chutney (sweet)
- Mint chutney (spicy)
- Red chili powder
- Chaat masala
- Fresh coriander leaves
Method to Prepare Soft, Cloud-Like Dahi Bhalla:
1. Soak the Lentils:
Begin by soaking the urad dal (and moong dal, if using) in water for at least 4-5 hours or overnight. Soaking the lentils is crucial as it softens them and ensures that your bhallas will be light and fluffy.
2. Grind the Lentils:
Once the lentils are well-soaked, drain the water and transfer the dal into a blender or food processor. Add a small amount of water while grinding, just enough to make a smooth, thick batter. The consistency should be thick but smooth, not runny. The more air you incorporate while grinding, the fluffier your bhallas will be. You can add a pinch of baking soda to the batter if you like extra softness.
3. Season the Batter:
Once the batter is ready, add chopped green chilies, grated ginger, cumin powder, black pepper, and salt to taste. Mix the batter well, making sure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
4. Fry the Bhallas:
Heat oil in a deep pan or kadai on medium heat. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small amount of the batter into the oil, if it rises to the surface quickly, the oil is ready for frying. Shape the batter into small dumplings using your hands or a spoon and carefully drop them into the hot oil. Fry in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Fry the bhallas until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside, which should take about 5-6 minutes. Once done, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
5. Soak the Bhallas:
To make the bhallas soft and spongy, soak them in a bowl of warm water for about 5-10 minutes. Gently press the soaked bhallas between your palms to remove excess water. This will ensure they absorb the yogurt and chutneys without falling apart.
6. Prepare the Yogurt:
Whisk the yogurt in a bowl to make it smooth and creamy. Add sugar, roasted cumin powder, and salt to taste, and mix well.
7. Assemble the Dahi Bhalla:
Place the soaked bhallas on a serving dish. Pour the prepared yogurt generously over them, making sure the bhallas are completely submerged. Let them soak in the yogurt for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Drizzle tamarind chutney and mint chutney over the bhallas. Sprinkle red chili powder, chaat masala, and fresh coriander leaves on top. You can also add a little bit of sev (crispy noodles) for extra crunch.
Tips for Perfect Dahi Bhalla:
- Aerate the Batter: While grinding the dal, try to add as little water as possible and incorporate air into the batter. This step is key to making the bhallas light and fluffy.
- Use Fresh Yogurt: Fresh, creamy yogurt will give the dish a smooth, rich texture. You can also use chilled yogurt for a refreshing taste.
- Soak the Bhallas Well: Make sure to soak the fried bhallas in water long enough for them to absorb moisture but not fall apart. Gently press them to remove excess water.
- Fry on Medium Heat: Fry the bhallas on medium heat to ensure they cook evenly without burning.
Making soft, cloud-like dahi bhalla at home requires patience and attention to detail, but with these simple steps, you can create a delicious snack that will impress your friends and family. This dish is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a celebration of Indian street food culture. Enjoy your homemade dahi bhallas with a variety of chutneys and spices for a perfect combination of flavors!
