By Deeva, Year 10

Deeva gives us a recipe for Dal Baati Churma, a traditional dish originating in Rajasthan, India.

Dal Baati Churma is a signature dish from Rajasthan, a state in northwestern India. The dish consists of three main components: dal, a flavorful lentil curry; baati, baked wheat flour balls; and churma, a sweet blend of crushed baati, sugar and ghee. Together, these elements create a balanced meal that is rich in taste, showcasing the creativity of Rajasthan.

Ingredients needed:

For Dal	For Baati	For Churma
1 cup of mixed lentils  1 teaspoon of garlic  1 large sized onion  2 tomatoes  1 teaspoon of turmeric powder  1 teaspoon of red chili powder  1/2 teaspoon of garam masala powder  Fresh coriander leaves for garnish  1 tablespoon of ghee  2 teaspoons of cumin seeds	2 cups of whole wheat flour  1/4 cup of rava  1/2 cup of ghee # Salt to taste  Water as needed	2 crushed baatis  1/4 cup of sugar  1/4 cup of ghee  1/4 teaspoon of cardamom powder  2 tablespoons of mixed nuts (almonds, cashews)

Instructions to make Dal Baati Churma 

For Dal: 

1. Rinse the mixed lentils well. Pressure cook with turmeric powder, salt, and 3 cups of water for 5 whistles or until soft. 

2. Once the pressure releases, mash the lentils well with a ladle and set aside. 

3. Heat ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. 

4. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until the onions turn transparent. 

5. Add tomatoes, red chili powder, and garam masala powder, and salt. Cook until the raw smell of tomatoes disappears. 

6. Add the mashed lentils to the pan, mix well, and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Adjust the consistency with water if needed. 

7. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and switch off the heat. 

For Baati: 

1. In a mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, semolina, salt, and ghee. Mix well and knead into a stiff dough using warm water as needed. 

2. Divide the dough into small balls and flatten them slightly with your palms. Make a small indentation in the center of each baati using your thumb. 

3. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes. 

4. Arrange the baatis on a baking tray and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the tops turn golden brown. 

5. While still hot, brush the baatis with ghee. 

For Churma: 

1. Crush the baked baatis into small pieces. 

2. Heat ghee in a pan, add the crushed baatis, and roast until golden brown and aromatic. 

3. Remove from heat, mix in sugar, cardamom powder, and chopped nuts. 

Serving Suggestion: 

1. Reheat the dal until piping hot. 

2. Break the baatis and place them on a serving plate. Pour hot dal over them, drizzle with ghee, and serve with churma on the side. Enjoy!