CUSTOM MADE

Create these traditional dishes from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh with recipes from author and television chef Pallavi Nigam Sahay

DAL PITHORI (Whole wheat dumplings in lentil broth)

SERVES: 4 >
PREP TIME: 10 minutes + 15 minutes resting time >
COOKING TIME: 45 minutes

1. To prepare the dough, place the wheat flour, salt, and ghee in a large bowl, and mix with your fingertips. Adding a little water at a time, knead the dough to a smooth ball. Cover with a damp cloth and rest for 15 minutes. To prepare the dumplings, roll out small balls into roundels, and pinch the edges together to a flower shape. Set aside.

2. Cook the dal with water and turmeric powder in a pressure cooker for two whistles. Cool the cooker before opening it.

3. Heat the oil in a thick-bottomed pan over a medium-high flame. Splutter the cumin and mustard seeds, and add the garlic, green chilli, and the dry red chili, and sauté for one minute. Add the onion, and sauté until pink. Add the tomatoes, and sauté until softened. Add the chilli powder and mix well.

4. Add the cooked dal and mix well.