Dhokar Dalna for SNC 8

When Nabanita of Esho-Bosho-Aahare posted this recipe for SNC this month, I got interested to try as Dhokar (Lentil cakes) resembles Paruppu Urundai (Lentil balls) in Paruppu Urundai Kuzhambu (Lentil balls cooked in Tamarind Gravy) recipe of Tamilnadu. But the gravy is very different from usual gravies I make and was very doubtful whether my family would like it. 

So I altered the gravy recipe alone according to our taste. We do not like the flavor of cumin seeds, garam masala and asafoetida much in any recipe, so reduced their quantity. I've never used onion seeds so reduced it too.. I used yellow lentils instead of split peas dhal (or Matar Dhal) ; I'm not sure both are same or different. If you are looking for the perfect Dhokar Dalna recipe, check out Nabanita's space. Thanks Nabanita for this tasty and healthy recipe with step by step instructions and clicks. As expected, the Dhokar caught much attraction here; my Hus said to make it some time again.

Ingredients:

For Dhokar:

Channa Dhal ¾ cup

Yellow Lentils ¼ cup

Green Chillies 2

Grated Coconut ¼ cup

Finely grated Ginger 1 tsp

Onion seeds ¼ tsp

Turmeric Powder ½ tsp

Asafoetida a big pinch
Salt and Oil

For Curry:

Potatoes Medium 2
Tomato (finely chopped) 1

Coconut Milk 1 ¾  cups

Grated Coconut ½ cup

Finely Grated Ginger 1 tsp
Cumin seeds 1 tsp
Asafoetida a big pinch
Tumeric Powder
Cumin Powder 1 ½ tsp
Garam Masala 1 tsp
Chilli Powder 1 tsp
Bay Leaves 2
Green Chillies 2
Water
Salt and Oil

Preparation:

Soak Dhals for 4 hours. Grind them to a coarse paste along with ginger and chillies.
Grate coconut. Chop tomatoes and Chillies. Cube Potatoes.

Method:

For Dhokar (lentil cakes):

Mix salt and the other ingredients to the ground dhal batter.

Heat one tbsp of oil in a Pan. Add Tumeric Powder and the dhal batter. Stir continuously until the batter leaves the kadai.

Meanwhile grease a plate. Pour this batter on the plate. Spread and cut into desired shapes.

Heat oil for deep frying. Fry the Dhokar until golden brown and set it aside.

For the curry:

Now, heat little oil in a Pan. Add Asafoetida and Turmeric powder and cubed potatoes. Fry until they turn golden. Keep it aside.

In the same pan, heat oil. Add Cumin seeds, Bay leaves, finely chopped ginger, green chillies and Tomatoes.Fry for a while and then add all the Masala Powders.

Fry till they combine well. Now add fried potatoes, enough water and salt. Bring it to a boil. Now add grated coconut and coconut Milk . Allow boiling until done.Now add the fried lentil cakes and sprinkle little garam masala. 

Now Dhokar Dalna is ready to be served with hot steamed rice.

Linking this recipe to SNC of this month.

 Notes:

Add only little oil when frying the batter.
Grease the plate before pouring the batter.
Add Dhoka to the curry when about to serve.