Besan Gatta is a traditional Rajasthani dish made from gram flour (besan) and spices. It consists of soft dumplings made with gram flour and then cooked in a flavorful curry. Here’s a recipe to make Besan Gatta at home:
Ingredients for Gatta:
- 1 cup gram flour (besan)
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt (curd)
- Salt to taste
- Water, as needed, to make the dough
Ingredients for Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 large tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (curd), whisked
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions for Gatta:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, add gram flour, red chili powder, turmeric powder, carom seeds, cumin seeds, oil, plain yogurt, and salt.
- Mix all the ingredients well and knead the dough by adding water little by little until you get a smooth and firm dough. The dough should be non-sticky.
- Divide the dough into equal-sized portions and shape them into cylindrical or elongated dumplings.
- Cook the Gatta:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the gatta dumplings to the boiling water.
- Let the gatta cook in boiling water for about 10-12 minutes until they float to the surface. This indicates that they are cooked.
- Once cooked, remove the gatta from the water and let them cool slightly. Cut the gatta into bite-sized pieces and set them aside.
Instructions for Gravy:
- Prepare the Gravy:
- In a separate pan, heat oil or ghee over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
- Add finely chopped onions and cook until they turn golden brown.
- Add finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and the oil starts to separate.
- Add Spices and Yogurt:
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few minutes until the spices are well blended.
- Lower the heat and add whisked plain yogurt (curd) to the pan. Stir continuously to avoid curdling.
- Let the gravy simmer for a few minutes until it thickens and reaches the desired consistency.
Combine Gatta and Gravy:
Add the cooked gatta pieces to the prepared gravy and gently mix them together. Let them simmer together for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish the Besan Gatta with fresh coriander leaves before serving. Serve the flavorful Besan Gatta with steamed rice or Indian bread like chapati or naan. Enjoy this delicious Rajasthani dish with your family and friends!