Dal Pakwan

Dal Pakwan is a crispy, deep-fried flatbread paired with a spiced lentil curry, making it a delightful high-protein Indian snack. This dish offers a perfect blend of textures and flavors, ideal for a savory treat any time of the day.

Ingredients

• Chana dal (split chickpeas) - 100 grams
• Water - 1 liter (for cooking dal)
• Pakwan flour (semolina or all-purpose flour) - 100 grams
• Caraway seeds (ajwain) - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon (for dough) + to taste (for dal)
• Black pepper powder - 1/4 teaspoon
• Turmeric powder - 1/4 teaspoon
• Cumin seeds - 1/2 teaspoon
• Ginger (grated) - 1 teaspoon
• Green chilies (finely chopped) - 1 teaspoon
• Cilantro (chopped) - 2 tablespoons
• Cooking oil - for deep frying
• Lemon wedges - for serving

Steps

1. Rinse the chana dal under running water and soak it in a bowl for 30 minutes.
2. In a pot, add the soaked chana dal and 1 liter of water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine pakwan flour, caraway seeds, and salt. Add enough water to form a stiff dough. Cover and let it rest for 15 minutes.
4. In a pan, heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil and add cumin seeds, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
5. Add the cooked chana dal, turmeric powder, black pepper, and salt to taste. Mix well and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Garnish with chopped cilantro.
6. Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each portion into thin flatbreads (pakwan).
7. Heat oil in a deep pan for frying. Fry the rolled pakwan until golden and crispy on both sides. Remove and drain on paper towels.
8. Serve the hot pakwan with the spiced chana dal on the side, garnished with lemon wedges.

Nutrition

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 15 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein due to chana dal, supporting muscle growth and repair.
• Rich in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and satiety.

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