Dal Bafla is a beloved traditional dish of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It has two main ingredients: ‘Dal’ (a type of lentil soup) and ‘Bafla’ (a cooked wheat flour ball) and today I am going to make a very tasty and very soft Rajasthani Bafla Baati, just like Gulab Jamun. The way of making it is a little unique. You can enjoy it with dal, raita. It is going to be very tasty, so what are you waiting for, let’s start making it.
Dal: Lentil soup
The ‘dal’ part of Dal Bafla is usually made from tuvar dal or moong (yellow gram) dal. The dal is cooked with spices like turmeric, cumin, ghee, and coriander to make a delicious aromatic soup.
Bafla: The Unique Bread
‘Bafla’ are dough balls made from wheat flour, ghee, and water. These dough balls are first steamed and then baked till golden brown. This unique cooking process gives them a distinct texture – crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Rich in Taste and Nutrition
Dal Bafla is not just delicious but nutritious too, with the dal providing protein and fiber, while the Bafla adds carbohydrates and some healthy fats thanks to the ghee.
A festive favourite
This dish is often made during festivals and special occasions in Madhya Pradesh. It is loved for its distinctive taste and satisfying texture, making it perfect for these festive occasions.
Dal Bafla is usually served hot, with the Bafla broken into pieces and soaked in lentils. It is often accompanied by chutney, pickles, and the Bafla dipped in ghee.
The combination of spicy, flavourful lentils with the slightly crunchy and buttery Bafla makes for a delightful experience. This is a must-try for anyone exploring traditional Indian cuisine.
Origin of Daal Bafla:
Dal Bafla is a traditional dish from the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is especially popular in the Malwa region. The dish has roots that go back many centuries, reflecting the agricultural lifestyle of the region. It was created as a nutritious and delicious meal that could keep farmers and laborers alive during their long working days.
Cultural Significance of Daal Bafla:
Nutritional Importance: Daal Bafla is a combination of lentil and wheat flour balls (bafla) that provide a balanced meal rich in protein carbohydrates and essential nutrients. This made it an ideal meal for this hardworking rural population.
Festivals and Celebrations: Daal Bafla is made on special occasions and festivals. It is a dish that brings families and communities together, symbolizing unity and sharing. You will often see Daal Bafla being served during weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, religious festivals like Holi, and Dussehra, and family gatherings.
Regional Pride: Daal Bafla is a source of regional pride for the people of Madhya Pradesh. It is not just a food but a representation of their heritage and culinary tradition. It reflects the simplicity and richness of the cuisine of the region and is a way to connect with their roots.
Cultural Identity: Like pasta is for idli or sushi is for Japan, Daal Bafla is a dish that represents the cultural identity of Madhya Pradesh. It reflects the simplicity and richness of the cuisine of the region and is a way to connect with their roots.
Dal Bafla is more than just a dish: it is a reflection of the culture, history, and community spirit of Madhya Pradesh. Its origin in rural areas, its role in festive celebrations, and its significance in daily life make it an important part of the identity of the region. By enjoying Dal Bafla, one can not only appreciate its taste but also crave it again.
Recipe Card
=(Prep Time-15Mins)=(Cook Time-30Mins)=(Total Time-45Mins)=(Servings-5)=(Author-Kavita)=
Main Ingredients for making Bafla:
1 Two bowls whole wheat flour
2 One bowl corn flour
3 One bowl rava
4 Half bowl curd
5 1tbsp carom seeds
6 3tbsp Ghee
7 1/2 tbsp turmeric powder
8 1/4 tbsp baking powder
9 1/2 chili flakes
10 Salt according to taste
11 Water (for kneading the dough)
Ingredients for making Dal:
1 1 bowl tur dal
2 1/2 bowl chana dal
3 1 medium size onion finely chopped
4 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
5 1 teaspoon salt
6 2 teaspoons ghee
7 2 cups water
Ingredients for tempering:
1 1 tablespoon oil
2 1 teaspoon ghee
3 1/2 teaspoons mustard seeds
4 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
5 A pinch of asafoetida
6 1 medium onion finely chopped
7 1 tomato finely chopped
8 1/2 inch ginger finely grated
9 5-6 garlic cloves finely chopped
10 2tbsp peanut
11 1 tbsp red chilli powder
12 1tbsp coriander powder
For a special flavour to the dal add a tadka and
1 1/2 cumin seeds, mustard seeds, curry leaves, two whole red chilies
How to make Daal Bafla
Prepare the Bafla:
1: First of all, put two teaspoons of ghee in a pan and let it heat up well, then add one teaspoon of celery in it.
2. Now add a bowl of semolina and roast it well.
3. Add two bowls of water to one bowl of semolina and cook it.
4. Our semolina is now ready.
5. Now we will take a plate to place the dough and put all the ingredients to make Bafla in it.
6: Take 2 bowls of whole wheat flour, 1 bowl of corn flour, one cup of curd, 1 teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of baking soda, 2 teaspoons ghee, 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon of chili flakes, and mix everything well.
7:Mix it well.
8: Now add water to it and knead the dough.
9: Cover the dough with a cloth and keep it aside for
10 minutes. 10: Make small round balls from the dough.
11: Now heat water in an idli vessel.
12: Now apply some oil on the plates place the balls on the plate and let it cook for 15 minutes.
13: After 15 minutes all the balls will puff up well, now take them out in a plate.
14: Now we will heat the Baati oven on the gas for 5 minutes. Then we will put the balls on it to bake.
15: Turn the balls 3-4 times and the Bafla will be cooked well.
16: Now take out the Bafla from the oven and dip it in ghee.
Prepare the lentils:
1: In a pressure cooker take 1 bowl of tur dal and half a bowl of chana dal and wash them well.
2: Add turmeric, salt, two teaspoons ghee, and 1 onion finely chopped, and cook in a pressure cooker till three to four whistles.
Add 3 bowls of water from the same bowl in which you took the lentils.
Prepare the dal tadka:
Keep in mind that boiled water should always be used for cooking dal. This gives a good taste to the dal.
1: Heat 1 tsp ghee and 1 tbsp oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and asafoetida, and let it crackle well.
2: Then add finely chopped onion and some peanuts, and fry until golden.
3: After frying the onions, add grated ginger and garlic.
4: Then add 1 finely chopped tomato.
5: Then add red chili powder, coriander powder, and turmeric powder. Fry it well for 1 minute, then add one cup of water and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
6: Now add cooked lentils to it.
Crush one spoon of fenugreek add it and keep it on the gas till the dal comes to a good boil.
7: The lentils are ready.
We will give a tadka to the dal again with Bafla for a special taste.
1: Heat one tablespoon of ghee in a tadka pan, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, two whole red chilies, and one bay leaf, and let them crackle. Then pour it immediately over the dal.
Then immediately pour it over the lentils.
Now add coriander leaves.
Add dal with Bafla and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Daal Bafla hot and add ghee to it, which doubles the taste of Daal Bafla. When Daal Bafla is served with pickles, onions, fried chili slices, and lemon, then Daal Baati becomes a special meal and inspires everyone to eat it again and again.
Frequently Ask Questions
1: How is Dal Bafla traditionally cooked?
Answer: Dal Bafla is traditionally cooked by first boiling or steaming the dough balls (Bafla) and then frying them till they turn golden brown. Lentil soup is prepared separately and served with the Bafla.
2: Is Dal Bafla a vegetarian dish?
Answer: Yes, Dal Bafla is a vegetarian dish as it mainly consists of wheat flour balls and lentil soup.
3: Can Dal Bafla be served with any side dish?
Answer: Yes, Dal Bafla is often served with side dishes like green chutney, garlic chutney, pickles, and curd.
4: What are the main ingredients used to make Dal Bafla?
Answer: The main ingredients of Dal Bafla include wheat flour, ghee, lentils, spices, and water.
5: Can Daal Bafla be found in restaurants outside India?
Answer: While it may not be as widely available as other Indian dishes, some Indian restaurants outside India may offer Daal Bafla on their menus, especially those interested in trying regional cuisines.
Nutrition Facts
Calories:300-400kcal
Carbohydrates:50-60 grams
Protein:10-15 grams
Fat:5-10 grams
Fiber:5-8 grams
Sodium:500-800 mg
Iron 2-4 mg
Keep in mind that this value can depend on the specific ingredients and proportions used in the recipe