Got leftover dal in the fridge and wondering how to make it into something delicious?
Dal paratha is a great way to turn that extra dal into a nutritious, flavorful meal.
This Indian flatbread recipe is easy to make, and the combination of lentils and spices creates a satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
How To Make Our Vegan Dal Paratha Recipe
Ingredients
For two servings of dal paratha, you’ll need:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- ½ cup cooked toor dal (or any other cooked lentils)
- 2 tablespoons chopped coriander
- 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil like coconut or sunflower oil)
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- ½ teaspoon amchur powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon grated ginger
- ½ teaspoon garam masala powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- ¼ teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain)
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt, to taste
And don’t worry – if you don’t have leftover dal, it’s easy to cook up a fresh batch—just let it cool before using it in the paratha.
How To Make Dal Paratha
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, cooked dal, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, ajwain, red chili powder, amchur powder, garam masala, salt, and oil. Mix everything until well combined.
- Step 2: Gradually add water, kneading the mixture into a smooth, non-sticky dough. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Step 3: Divide the dough into small balls (around six, depending on the size). Dust with flour if needed to prevent sticking.
- Step 4: Roll each ball into a small circle, about three inches in diameter. Spread a little oil on top of each rolled paratha.
- Step 5: Fold the dough from the sides and top, creating a square shape with even thickness.
- Step 6: Roll out the folded paratha again, maintaining a slightly thick square shape. Dust with flour to prevent it from sticking to the surface.
- Step 7: Heat a skillet or tawa over medium heat. Place a paratha on the hot skillet and cook until bubbles start to form. Flip it, drizzle with oil, and continue cooking until golden spots appear on both sides.
- Step 8: Serve hot with vegan raita, chutney, or a curry of your choice.
Tips for the Best Dal Paratha
- Dal Quantity: If your dal is thick, use ½ cup of dal for every 1 cup of flour. For thinner dal, adjust by adding more dal or flour as needed.
- Mix Up the Lentils: You don’t have to stick to one kind—try toor dal, chana dal, moong dal, or even a combination for added flavor and texture.
- Use Leftovers: Leftover dal works best for this recipe since the flavors deepen overnight, making your parathas even tastier.
Variations to Try
- Add Greens: Mix in chopped spinach or fenugreek leaves for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Onions: For an extra layer of flavor, add finely chopped onions (sauté them beforehand for a softer texture).
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh mint or cilantro can bring a burst of freshness to your parathas, pairing perfectly with chutneys.
Final Thoughts
Dal paratha is a fantastic way to use up leftover dal while making a healthy, flavorful meal that the whole family will love.
This vegan recipe is simple enough for any weeknight yet satisfying and packed with nutrients.
Plus, with so many variations, you can keep it interesting every time. Enjoy experimenting and making it your own!