Dal Dhokli: Comfort Food From Gujarat’s Rich History

Dal Dhokli, the comfort food from Gujrat, is a complete meal in itself. Not only does it have nutritional benefits, but it also represents the history of culture and vibrance.

From generations, Dal dhokli has been a part of Gujrati cuisine. The soft, steamed dumplings are served with hot, flavourful lentil stew.

There is no family in Gujrat that has not tasted Dal Dhokli. It is the constant dish of Gujarat made in every home as a staple meal. It is a nutritious meal. Dal Dhokli has overtime gained popularity across India. The comforting flavour, versatility, and the nutritional value, makes it the most classic and beloved dishes of Gujarati cuisine today.

History and Origins

For generations, Dal dhokli has been a part of the culture and heritage of Gujrat. It is a staple dish that is a part of every meal in Gujrat.

The origin of Dal Dhokli is as interesting as the dish itself. When Prithviraj Chauhan, the famous Rajput king, eloped with the princess of Kannauj, Samyogita, he was run to ground by the Mughals. His kingdom of Ajmer was under siege. Fresh vegetables and meat were blocked from being brought in. Legend says that there was an old cook, who was worried about the blockade on fresh food, as the chief queen (Chauhan had three wives) was expecting at that time and needed nutritious meals. The wise cook figured that whatever mixture was available can be added with leftover rotis and can make a complete meal. The result was supposedly an early version of Dal Dhokli.

The tasty dish became popular and travelers and visiting traders adapted it according to their taste and created their own versions. One such version travelled to Gujarat, a predominantly vegetarian state, where it became immensely popular as a regular, staple dish. The two main components of Dal Dhokli are Dal, the lentil stew, and Dhokli, referring to the soft, steamed dumplings made from a fermented batter of rice and chickpea flour.

The lentil stew is made using local ingredients, like tuvar dal, rice and chickpea flour. Dhokli is made from the process of fermenting and steaming the dumplings, a technique which has been passed down in families for centuries. Dal Dhokil, being a complete meal in itself, proves to be highly satisfying, and nutritious.