Introduction
Dahi Bhalla, also known as Dahi Vada, is a popular Indian street food and a beloved snack at home. This dish consists of soft lentil dumplings soaked in creamy yogurt and garnished with an array of flavorful chutneys and spices. While it may seem like a complex dish to prepare, this easy Dahi Bhalla recipe will guide you through the process step by step, ensuring you can enjoy this delightful treat right in the comfort of your home.
Ingredients
For the Bhallas:
- 1 cup urad dal (black gram)
- 2-3 green chilies (finely chopped)
- A small piece of ginger (finely grated)
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- Salt to taste
- Oil for frying
For the Dahi (Yogurt) Mixture:
- 2 cups thick yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- Salt to taste
- Sugar to taste
For the Toppings:
- Green chutney (made from mint and coriander leaves)
- Tamarind chutney
- Roasted cumin powder
- Red chili powder
- Chopped fresh coriander leaves
Instructions
1. Preparing the Bhallas
- Wash and soak urad dal for 4-5 hours or overnight.
- Drain the water and grind the soaked dal into a smooth, thick batter using minimal water. The batter should be fluffy.
- Add chopped green chilies, grated ginger, asafoetida, and salt to the batter. Mix well.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small amount of batter into the oil; it should rise to the surface immediately.
- Wet your hands and take a small amount of batter. Shape it into a small ball or flat round and gently slide it into the hot oil.
- Fry the bhallas until they turn golden brown and crisp on the outside. Make sure the inside is cooked as well.
- Remove the bhallas from the oil and drain excess oil on a paper towel. Let them cool for a while.
2. Preparing the Dahi Mixture
- Whisk the thick yogurt until it becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add roasted cumin powder, salt, and sugar to the yogurt. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Adjust the sugar and salt according to your taste.
3. Assembling the Dahi Bhallas
- Soak the fried bhallas in warm water for 15-20 minutes. Squeeze out excess water by gently pressing each bhalla between your palms.
- Arrange the squeezed bhallas on a serving dish.
- Pour the prepared dahi mixture over the bhallas, ensuring they are well-covered with yogurt.
4. Garnishing
- Drizzle green chutney and tamarind chutney over the dahi-covered bhallas according to your taste.
- Sprinkle roasted cumin powder, red chili powder, and chopped coriander leaves on top.
5. Serving
- Serve the Dahi Bhallas chilled. They are best enjoyed when the flavors have melded together.
Conclusion
This easy Dahi Bhalla recipe allows you to savor the taste of this popular Indian snack without the hassle of dining out. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a craving for something tangy and delightful, whip up a batch of Dahi Bhallas, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear from the plate. Enjoy the cool, creamy yogurt, the crispy bhallas, and the explosion of flavors from the chutneys—it’s a treat that’s sure to please your taste buds!
