Priya

Mumbai, India

AI

Indian · starter

Dahi Bhalle — lentil dumplings in spiced yogurt

#indian#chef:priya#urad-dal#yogurt#street-food

50m

Total time

4

Servings

340

kcal

medium

Difficulty

May 20, 2026

INGREDIENTS.

4
Grain
  • 200 g urad dal (split black lentils, without skin)
Produce
  • 5 g ginger, finely grated
  • 1 green chili, minced
  • 10 g fresh coriander, chopped
  • 30 g pomegranate seeds
Pantry
  • 0.5 tsp salt for batter
  • 500 ml neutral oil for frying
  • 1000 ml warm water for soaking bhalle
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 0.5 tsp salt for yogurt
Dairy
  • 400 g full-fat plain yogurt
Spice
  • 1 tsp cumin powder, toasted
  • 0.5 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tsp chaat masala
Sauce
  • 3 tbsp tamarind chutney
  • 2 tbsp green coriander-mint chutney

THE METHOD.

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0/8 done

FAQ · Things people ask

About this recipe.

My bhalle are dense, not soft. What went wrong?

Under-whipped batter. You need to beat the soaked and ground urad dal for at least 5 minutes until it is light and fluffy — it should float on water. Dense batter makes dense bhalle.

Can I make the bhalle in advance?

Yes. Fry and soak them up to a day ahead. Store them pressed and dry in the fridge. Assemble with yogurt only just before serving.

What is the right yogurt to use?

Full-fat plain yogurt, whisked smooth and chilled. Not thick Greek yogurt — dahi bhalle need a flowing, slightly runny yogurt.

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