This shortcut dal dhokli takes minutes to make! No rolling dhoklis required!
We are making dal dhokli today! Only, in this shortcut recipe, I’m using store-bought lasagna noodles instead of making dhoklis/dumplings from scratch (just hear me out) and it works SO well! This dal is made with mostly Indian pantry staples, perfect for a weeknight meal or on a day when you’d rather be doing anything other than standing in the kitchen.
Okay. Fair warning. This is not your mama’s dal dhokli (or your dad’s or your Gujarati family friend’s). In fact, my version might make your mama scratch her head and/or roll her eyes a bit…
But guess what! This dal dhokli is actually fantastic and approximately a billion times easier to make than the one you grew up eating. The dal itself is SO flavorful that it makes up for the lack of homemade spiced dhoklis. It’s sweet, spicy and tangy. Really. It’s good. And did I mention absurdly easy?
What is Dal Dhokli?
Dal dhokli is a popular Gujarati dal typically made by simmering homemade spiced dhoklis (noodles/dumplings) in a sweet, spicy and tangy lentil stew. It can call for ingredients like toor dal, tamarind paste, jaggery and homemade whole wheat noodles. My recipe calls for one pretty major change – rather than using homemade noodles – we’re using lasagna noodles (regular wheat noodles or gluten-free noodles)!
What do you mean lasagna noodles instead of dhoklis? Have you lost your mind (again), Ashley?
I mean, is it really that crazy? Did I sheepishly text/call several Gujarati friends/aunties asking if this was crazy? Did I go so far as to drop off this dal (and nervously await feedback) to make sure it first had their approval?
Yes (to all of the above), I’m telling you to use plain lasagna noodles instead of the spiced homemade dhoklis you’re probably used to eating if you’ve had this dal before. But I swear, it’s going to be okay. The dal has enough flavor to make up for the fact that it calls for lasagna noodles (I’ve even added some ajwain directly to the dal, since it’s missing from the dhoklis).
So no, I have not lost my mind (again), but believe me when I say y’all are about to lose your minds over this dal. It’s so much easier to make than the real deal dal dhokli and it tastes pretty darn close to the original.
Can I make this gluten-free?
That’s the beauty of using lasagna noodles! You can buy gluten-free noodles, which is what I do for myself. I’ve tested this dal dhokli (many times) using both regular lasagna noodles AND gluten-free lasagna noodles. It is good however you make it. My toddler and husband will eat the wheat noodle version and they like it. I eat the gluten-free version and I like it. It’s a very likable dal.
How do I make this with leftover dal?
SO easily. If you’re using leftover dal just make sure you have around 4 cups of dal/liquid, add the lasagna noodles, and cook for 5 minutes at high pressure. Naturally release pressure for 5 minutes, then open the valve to release any remaining pressure. I’ve added this info to the recipe card as well.
Just a few things to know
You can adjust this dal to your preferred consistency by adding more water at the end if you prefer a thinner dal. If you prefer more dal to noodles, use 6 sheets of lasagna, but if you prefer a noodle-y dal, use 8 sheets. I (predictably) belong to the 8 sheet club. 🤓
Another difference between this dal and traditional dal dhokli is that in my shortcut version, you’ll see some dal floating around in the soup. I wanted to keep this a one-pot recipe and cook both the dal and the noodles at the same time, so you can’t really blend the dal the way you normally would. Again, this is a shortcut recipe which means there are certain minor sacrifices, though I definitely did not sacrifice flavor – if anything, I amped it up a bit to make up for anything lacking.
Feel free to adapt this recipe to your taste. A family friend suggested adding a cinnamon stick and whole cloves to this dal (really good!). Another friend suggested adding leafy greens to the dal. Have fun with it.
I am sure you will love my version of dal dhokli. Again, it’s not authentic (you know, lasagna noodles and all) but it’s easy, convenient, incredibly flavorful, and comforting. You’ll love it. And even though I’m absolutely positively certain you’ll love it, it wouldn’t hurt if you happened to leave me a comment after you try it… just confirming what I already know, of course. 😏
Enjoy!
Instant Pot Shortcut Dal Dhokli (Gluten-free option!)
Instant Pot Shortcut Dal Dhokli (Gluten-free option!)
Ingredients
- ½ cup toor dal soaked for 1-2 hours*
- 2 tablespoons ghee/oil
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
- ¼ teaspoon hing I use this gluten-free brand and it’s potent – use a pinch to start if you want
- 1 sprig curry leaves approx. 15-20
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste/minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste/minced ginger
Spices
- ¼ cup peanuts or cashews can omit if nut-free
- 1-2 roma tomatoes diced (I like 2)
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste this is the brand I love and recommend
- 4 cups water
- 6-8 sheets oven-ready lasagna noodles wheat or gluten-free, broken into pieces
- 2 tablespoons jaggery or coconut sugar/brown sugar
- Cilantro garnish
Instructions
- Press sauté, add ghee/oil to the pot. Once it’s hot, add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, hing and curry leaves.
- Once the cumin seeds begin to brown, add the garlic, ginger, spices, peanuts and stir-fry for a minute, then add the tomatoes. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the tomatoes start to break down.
- Add the toor dal, tamarind paste, water and mix well, then add the lasagna noodles.
- Secure the lid, close the pressure valve and cook for 7 minutes at high pressure.
- Naturally release pressure for 10 minutes then open the valve to release any remaining pressure.
- Stir in jaggery, garnish with cilantro and serve.
Video
Notes
- *I suggest first soaking the dal so that it cooks well with the noodles.
- If using leftover dal: make sure you have 4 cups of dal/liquid in the instant pot, add the lasagna noodles and cook for 5 minutes at high pressure. Naturally release pressure for 5 minutes, then open the valve to release any remaining pressure.
- For a variation, try adding a cinnamon stick and whole cloves to the dal. You can also stir in some leafy greens before serving.
Shivani Patel says
Hi Ashley! In the video it looks like there is a tomato, but I’m not seeing it in the written instructions… can you confirm? Thanks! Live your site and all the recipes – my family eats home cooked meals thanks to you!
Shivani Patel says
Nevermind! Phone scroll issue! I see the tomato!
Dini says
Hello..I have been wondering how this would taste with the Banza chickpea lasagna noodles. Has anyone tried it? Would love to know if the consistency is good. Thank you!
rani says
what a great idea to use these noodles. I’m not gujuarti so i’m not sure what the actual taste should be like but this is a easy wonderful option for some comfort food. I doubled the dal and put everything in for 7 min. then I pureed everything and then added the noodles in for another 5 min. Extra time, but my daughter’s not a fan of pieces of tomatoes so this was a good way to hide them all. It was the perfect meal for cold rainy winters night. Thanks!!
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Rani, I’m so glad to hear that! Thank you for letting me know how this turned out for you 🙂
Radha says
I tried this recipe today and it came out very well thank you for sharing ashley
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Radha, I’m so glad to hear that! Thanks for letting me know 🙂
Cindy says
This looks so great! Is it possible to substitute kokum for the tamarind?
Cindy says
I made this as-written tonight. It was so delicious. I think this will become a favorite. Thank you!
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
That’s great to hear! Thanks for letting me know how it turned out 🙂
Asha says
This was a very quick and easy meal to prepare, and it was very good! There was a lot of contrasting flavors. Best of all, I was able to use the half box of lasagna that’s been in the cupboard for a long time.
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Asha, that’s so great to hear! Glad you liked it and also glad you were able to use up your lasagna noodles!
Richard Diehl says
Looking for something which is citrus and acidic free. Also what, corn rice oat and potato free
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Hi Richard, you can find all of my recipes here – I’m sure I have some that’ll fit your dietary needs: https://myheartbeets.com/recipe-index/
Sueson says
I can’t wait to try this. Sounds delicious. I do not use an instant pot. What are the time differences, please?
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
I’ve only tested this in an instant pot – hopefully another reader will be able to chime in and answer your question.
Vineet Kaur says
I wish you could add how many servings is your recipe for…for the uninitiated like me!
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Hi Vineet, it’s tough to determine servings because we all eat such different portions, but I know I need to get better at including that information! I’d say this will serve 5 to 6 people. Hope that helps!
Roopa Gandhi says
Hi Ashley
I made this while back and it came out really well.
Could I also make this with regular lasagna noodle sheets instead of oven ready ones?
If so what would need to be adjusted -proportion of liquid cooking time?
Appreciate your help!
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Hi Roopa, that’s great to hear! Yes, regular lasagna noodle sheets should work just fine with this same cook time. Enjoy!
Neha says
Amazing recipe- fool proof! My family loves this and has become a biweekly menu favorite
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Neha, I’m so glad to hear that! Thank you for letting me know how much you and your family like this recipe 🙂
Neha Thakkar says
Ridiculously easy and that’s why we make it often. Of course love it and being a Gujju that says something
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Neha, so happy to hear that! Glad you like this recipe 🙂
Sima says
This is such a great way to get the great take of dhokli, without the effort! Such a yummy cheat. This recipe has become one of our regulars!
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Sima, happy to hear it has become a regular dish for you! Thank you for letting me know how much you like the dal dhokli 🙂
Lopa says
Thank you so much for sharing this recipe Ashley! I’ve made it several times & it never disappoints. I made it today w/onions, potatoes & green beans, it is so good!
My Heart Beets says
Thank you, Lopa! I’m happy to hear that you like this so much 🙂
Diana says
Ashley, any other dal types that would work well if we don’t have toor dal? I seem to use toor the most, which is why I’m out of stock, but have many other lentils to use in the pantry.
My Heart Beets says
Hi Diana, you can try moong dal or masoor dal (red lentils) – I think either of those would be good 🙂
Diana says
Have plenty of those to use – thank you!
My Heart Beets says
let me know what you think 🙂
Elgee says
I’ve made this several times already. Love it! I like it with lasagna noodles, but since I’m really supposed to avoid many different grains I have since made it using red lentil pasta in ziti shape. That cooked well using the same time as the original recipe. Thanks for the recipe. This is a keeper!
My Heart Beets says
Hi Elgee, I’m so glad to hear that! Great to know it works well with red lentil pasta 🙂
Shweta says
How do cut the lasagna noodles with such clean edges before they are cooked?
My Heart Beets says
You should be able to find this kind at your local grocery store 🙂
Priya says
If we dont have oven.ready lasagna what would be difference
My Heart Beets says
Hi Priya, I’m sure regular lasagna will work in this amount of time as well.
Mish says
Great recipe. Worked perfectly the first time I made it when I followed the release steps exactly. Tastes so authentic even though it’s using pasta. I wanted to share one unexpected result that happened the second time…due to the pandemic I try to go for 30-45min walks with my family at the end of the day. I thought I’d set up & turn on the instant pot and come home to dal dhokli but due to the length of time of our walk…all the liquid was absorbed by the pasta (tried with 16oz of bow tie pasta. Instead of dal dhokadi in its more liquid form, we had the most amazing pasta with dal dhokadi sauce 🙂
My Heart Beets says
Mish, that’s really great to hear 🙂 and thank you for sharing – that sounds so good!
Ganesh Kuber says
This one had been on my list of to do for a while. Made it today with a few changes: added a small onion chopped at the beginning, I just like onion. Made it a bit soupy by adding extra water. Was out of lasagna pasta so used whole wheat organic bow tie pasta, worked just fine.
Great results, thanks for a such a delicious recipe. Dinner done with a bowl of it (well actually two 😜).
My Heart Beets says
Ganesh, I’m really glad you gave this a try! Great to know it worked well with bow tie pasta 🙂 Thanks for letting me know how it turned out for you!
Nikita Krishnani says
Amazing!
My Heart Beets says
Thank you! 🙂
Manasa says
This recipe sounded so simple, I had to try it! I confess, I’ve never had the actual dish but I guessed one cannot go very wrong with a dal based recipe.. Am very glad that I tried it. I made it twice in the past 10 days and both times everyone at home loved it. Thank you so much for yet another fool proof delectable recipe! Do you think this dish will freeze well in case I double the recipe ?
Thanks again for the really amazing recipe!!
My Heart Beets says
Manasa, I’m so glad you made this and that everyone loved it! Thanks for letting me know 🙂 As for freezing, I haven’t tried so I can’t say for sure but my guess is that it’ll freeze fine.
Safa says
Hi Ashley, if I make this dish in the morning, would it still be good in the evening? Or, do the noodles get too soggy? Thanks so much!
My Heart Beets says
Hi Safa, it’ll still be good in the evening and even the next day! Let me know what you think if you make this 🙂
John C says
Novice question–can this be made without a pressure cooker/instapot? If so, just cook the dal longer until tender and allow lasagna to cook as normal?
My Heart Beets says
Hi John, I’m sure you can make this on the stovetop – I’d cook the dal until it’s done first and then add the lasagna and cook. Let me know how it goes!
pratiksha says
what if I do not have oven ready pasta? pressure cook, little longer I suppose?
My Heart Beets says
Oven-ready is great and will work perfectly 🙂
Elyse says
someone said they used bow ties.
avery nichole says
Ashley, Can I use whole wheat tortilla strips instead of lasagna noodles. Thanks.
My Heart Beets says
Hi Avery, I’m sure you can stir that in at the end but I’m not sure it’ll be as tasty as pasta. If you try, please let me know!
Avani Kamdar says
This is such an amazingly simple and finger licking good recipe!! Being gujjus, dal dhokli is one of our fav comfort meals but the hassle of making dal and rolling out dhoklis, etc always made it a dish that I would make on days I had extra time in the kitchen. But your recipe is a game changer! I have seen many many posts on the FB group raving about your recipes but I have to admit this is one of the first ones that I tried and I am a fan 🙂 I will definitely be using my instant pot a lot more now to try out your other recipes (which has sadly been used only about half a dozen times in the almost two yrs since I bought it).
My Heart Beets says
Avani, that’s so great to hear! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave me a review 🙂 Really glad you liked this! I can’t wait to hear what you think of any other recipes of mine that you try!
Archita says
We are a gujju family and we thought this was finger licking good 😋
My Heart Beets says
Archita, that’s so awesome to hear 🙂 Thank you for letting me know how the dish turned out for you and your family!
Chhavi says
Hi Ashley, could you please recommend a brand of gluten free lassagna noodles that you jsed and that worked well with this daal ? Planning to try it soon as it looks so tempting.
On another note, your sambhar is a staple kn our household – tried so many recipes and npthing even comes close in flavor and ease. I guess the fact your sambhar is approved by your hubby, is proof that it is authentic 🙂
Thanks for the great recipes!
My Heart Beets says
Hi Chhavi, I really like Barilla gluten-free pasta and Dellalo’s gluten-free pasta – those are the two I usually buy 🙂 I can’t wait to hear what you think of this recipe! Also, I’m so glad you and your hubby like my sambar recipe – that’s so great to hear!
Sarah says
Hey Ashley,
This recipe sounded so intriguing, I had to try it! I confess, I’ve never had the actual dish and since it traditionally has wheat in it, I probably never will…but I can’t imagine it would be much better than this 🙂 It was a hit at my house using gluten free noodles. The brown rice noodles are often sludgy if I don’t rinse them, but I didn’t notice that at all in this dish. I did have to sub in a little chana dal (didn’t quite have enough toor dal, boo) and it was a little under done but the toor dal was fine. Next time I’ll make sure to have toor dal on hand! I really liked the unique flavors from the hing, curry leaves and ajwain, which I don’t often get to use. Thanks for sharing!
My Heart Beets says
Sarah, that’s awesome! I’m so glad you tried and liked this 🙂 Thank you for letting me know how the dal dhokli turned out for you!
Vidya says
Fantastic recipe. Just made it and gave it a taste test. Tastes divine. My 12 yo son loved it too. He said “Good job mom” :). Thanks for all your recipes and all the work you put into perfecting them.
My Heart Beets says
Vidya, I’m so happy to hear that your 12 year old loved this too! Thanks so much for letting me know the dal dhokli turned out. I really appreciate the kind words 🙂
Maneesha says
Ahhh a Gujju’s dream come true! My inner Gujju heart is a flutter – can’t wait to try this!
My Heart Beets says
Haha I can’t wait to hear what you think Maneesha! 🙂
Maneesha says
sooo yummy! I am Gujarati, and I honestly couldn’t tell this dhokli was made of pasta – so delicious and easy to make! My husband and I like smooth daal, so I first made regular daal, then added the pasta sheets, then pressure cooked for 7 mins, and it turned out great! Thanks, Ashley! This is a brilliant recipe!
My Heart Beets says
That’s so awesome to hear!! Thank you for letting me know how this turned out for you, Maneesha!
Maneesha says
I packed this for my husband’s lunch, and he had NO IDEA it wasn’t real dhokli! Win! Thanks for your innovative ideas and recipes, Ashley!
Ruta Gandhi says
The receipe looks so good and easy to cook. But do we need to crush the dal or does it become liquid enough when cooked in instant pot?
My Heart Beets says
Hi Ruta, there are pieces of dal and while soft, this isn’t a perfectly smooth dal. If you prefer a smooth dal then you may want to first make the dal, blend and then add the noodles. Let me know what you decide and how it goes!