Dal Pakwan: Simple yet popular way to Sindi’s heart

Have a special person in life belonging to sindhi community whom you wanna impress? 

Look no further than this classic dal pakwan recipe.

A plate of hot, crispy pakwaan served with a steaming bowl of aromatic dal that is seasoned to perfection. The pakwaan, which is a crispy flatbread, is generously smeared with a dollop of tangy chutney and topped with a generous sprinkling of chopped onions and fresh coriander leaves. The aroma of the freshly prepared dal infused with a melange of spices like cumin, turmeric, and garam masala fills your senses, making yours and your special someone’s mouth water in anticipation.

The crispy pakwaan, the flavors and textures of the dish unfold in your mouth, offering a delightful experience. The crunch of the pakwaan, the tanginess of the chutney, and the creaminess of the dal combine to create a flavor explosion that is hard to resist. 

Dal pakwaan is not only a popular breakfast dish in India but it also has cultural significance, especially for the Sindhi community. The Sindhi people are known for their rich culture and traditions, and food is an important part of their identity. The dish has a special place in their cuisine and is often served during important occasions such as weddings, festivals, and religious ceremonies.

In Sindhi households, it is customary to prepare dal pakwaan during Cheti Chand, the Sindhi New Year. It is also a popular dish during the Holi festival, where families come together to celebrate and enjoy the delicious flavors of the dish.

So, to give you special someone a feel of home, you will require the following: 

Ingredients:

• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/4 tsp carom seeds
• Oil for deep frying
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chana dal (split Bengal gram)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, finely chopped
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 green chili, finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp oil
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. To make pakwan, mix all-purpose flour, salt, cumin seeds, carom seeds, and 1 tbsp oil in a bowl.
2. Add enough water to make a stiff dough.
3. Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a thin circle.
4. Prick each circle with a fork to prevent them from puffing up while frying.
5. Heat oil in a pan and fry the pakwan on medium heat until they turn crisp and golden brown.
6. Drain the pakwan on paper towels and keep aside.
7. To make dal, wash and soak the chana dal for 2-3 hours.
8. Heat oil in a pressure cooker and add cumin seeds.
9. Add chopped onion and sauté until it turns golden brown.
10. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chili and sauté for a minute.
11. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
12. Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well.
13. Add the soaked chana dal and 3 cups of water. Mix well and cover the pressure cooker with a lid.
14. Cook the dal on medium heat for 15-20 minutes or until it is soft and fully cooked.
15. Once the dal is cooked, garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve

Apart from its cultural significance, dal pakwaan is also known for its simplicity and versatility. It is easy to prepare and can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences. The dish can be made with different types of lentils and spices, which makes it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people from different parts of India.