These soft and tangy dumplings are a delightful twist on a classic comfort food, perfect for a cozy meal. Made with simple ingredients, they’re quick to prepare and sure to satisfy your cravings.
Start by making the lentil batter: blend white lentils with a little water until you get a thick paste. Transfer it to a bowl, then add cumin seeds and salt. Whisk the mixture continuously in one direction for about 4-5 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. To check the batter, drop a teaspoon of it into water—if it floats, you’re good to go; if it sinks, whisk a bit more.
Heat some oil on low heat. Using a greased spoon, gently drop spoonfuls of the batter into the oil and fry the dumplings slowly until they turn golden brown. Once done, let them cool.
In a bowl, mix warm water with a pinch of salt. Soak the fried dumplings in this salted water, cover with a small lid to keep them submerged, and let them sit for 10-15 minutes. After soaking, gently squeeze out any excess water.
For the yogurt sauce, whisk together cornflour and water in a small pan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a glue-like consistency. Remove from heat and let it cool.
In a separate bowl, mix yogurt with salt and sugar until smooth. Then stir in the cooled cornflour mixture until everything is well combined.
Add the soaked dumplings to the yogurt sauce and let them soak until you’re ready to serve.
To serve, break the dumplings gently with a spoon in a serving bowl. Top with crispy papdi, dahi bara masala, and drizzle with sweet-and-sour chutney for that authentic street-food flavor. Enjoy!
- Use thick yogurt to help the dough hold together better.
- Make sure the water or milk you add is warm to activate any leavening agents smoothly.
- Cook the dumplings gently in simmering water or broth to keep them soft and prevent breaking.
These dumplings are light, fluffy, and have a subtle tang from the yogurt. They offer a comforting texture that pairs well with both sweet and savory dishes. Plus, they are easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have.
Serve warm with a drizzle of melted butter or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. They go wonderfully with soups, stews, or even a sweet honey drizzle for a dessert twist.
Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently by steaming or microwaving with a damp paper towel to keep them moist and soft.
