Rajasthani Dal Baati Churma Recipe

Learn how to make authentic Rajasthani Dal Baati Churma at home — a royal vegetarian thali dish of baked wheat baatis, spicy mixed lentil dal, and sweet churma. Step-by-step instructions, serving tips, and cultural insights from Rajasthan’s Marwari kitchens.

Among India’s most iconic dishes, the Rajasthani Dal Baati Churma Recipe stands as a culinary crown jewel. Rooted deeply in Rajasthan’s warrior culture and arid desert climate, this wholesome trio combines flavors, textures, and nourishment like no other. Crispy wheat baatis represent strength, spicy mixed dal brings warmth, and the sweet churma completes the meal with comfort.

Traditionally cooked over cow-dung fires in clay ovens, Dal Baati Churma is now relished across India — especially during festivals like Diwali, Makar Sankranti, and Rajasthani weddings. Let’s recreate this royal experience in your kitchen!

🧂 Ingredients

For Baati (Wheat Dumplings)

• 2 cups whole wheat flour (atta)

• ¼ cup semolina (sooji)

• 4 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)

• Salt to taste

• Warm water (for kneading)

For Dal (Mixed Lentils)

• ¼ cup toor dal (pigeon pea lentil)

• ¼ cup moong dal (yellow lentil)

• ¼ cup chana dal (Bengal gram)

• 2 tbsp urad dal (split black gram)

• 1 onion (finely chopped)

• 1 tomato (finely chopped)

• 1-inch ginger, 2–3 garlic cloves (crushed)

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• ½ tsp mustard seeds

• 1 tsp turmeric powder

• 1 tsp red chili powder

• 1 tsp coriander powder

• Salt as per taste

• 2 tbsp ghee

• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

For Churma (Sweet Crumble)

• 4 baked baatis (crushed)

• ½ cup powdered jaggery or sugar

• 3 tbsp ghee

• 2 tbsp chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)

• ½ tsp cardamom powder

🍞 Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Baati

1. In a mixing bowl, combine wheat flour, semolina, and salt.

2. Add ghee and rub it into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs.

3. Gradually add warm water to make a stiff dough.

4. Divide into equal-sized balls (baatis).

5. Preheat oven to 200°C and bake baatis for 20–25 minutes, turning occasionally.

6. Once golden and crisp, remove and dip in melted ghee before serving.

Step 2 — Cook the Rajasthani Dal

1. Wash and soak all lentils for 30 minutes.

2. Pressure cook lentils with salt and turmeric for 3–4 whistles.

3. In a pan, heat ghee; add cumin, mustard seeds, and let them splutter.

4. Add onion, garlic, ginger, and sauté until golden.

5. Add tomatoes and spices; cook until soft.

6. Add boiled dal, simmer for 10–12 minutes, and garnish with coriander.

Step 3 — Make the Sweet Churma

1. Crush 4 baked baatis into coarse crumbs.

2. Heat ghee in a pan, roast the crumbs until light brown.

3. Add jaggery/sugar and mix well.

4. Stir in cardamom and nuts.

5. Serve warm or at room temperature.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve Dal Baati Churma as a complete meal — hot baatis dipped in spicy dal, followed by sweet churma. Traditionally, it’s served on a large thali with accompaniments like lehsun chutney, pickle, and chaas (buttermilk).

For festive plating, drizzle extra ghee over the dal and baatis — it enhances the aroma and flavor.

🧊 Storage Instructions

• Baati: Store baked baatis in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

• Dal: Refrigerate for 2 days; reheat with a splash of water.

• Churma: Can last for 4–5 days in a dry airtight jar.

🩺 Health Benefits

• High in protein and fiber from mixed lentils.

• Baati made with whole wheat aids digestion.

• Churma, though indulgent, offers energy and iron from jaggery.

🌾 Cultural Insight

In ancient Rajasthan, warriors carried baatis for long journeys — they were durable and easy to cook in sand or embers. The dal added nutrition, while churma offered sweetness after a hearty meal. Even today, Rajasthani households preserve this culinary heritage with pride.

💡 Bhimascook Tips

• Brush baatis with ghee right after baking for a soft interior.

• Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) for authentic Marwari aroma.

• Use desi ghee only — it’s the soul of this dish!

🪷 Quick Facts

📚 Useful Links

• Homemade Ghee Recipe – Bhimascook

• How to Make Rajasthani Lehsun Chutney

• Rajasthani Cuisine Culture – Rajasthan Tourism (External) 

❓ FAQs

Q1. Can I make Rajasthani Dal Baati Churma without an oven?
Yes! You can cook baatis in an appe pan or over a tandoor flame for the traditional smoky taste.

Q2. Which ghee is best for this recipe?
Use homemade desi ghee — it enhances aroma and flavor authenticity.

Q3. Is Dal Baati Churma healthy?
When enjoyed moderately, yes — it’s high in protein, energy, and iron.

Q4. How to serve Dal Baati Churma for guests?
Serve in silver thalis with chutney, salad, and chaas for a royal Rajasthani touch.

Q5. Can I add vegetables to the dal?
Yes, adding lauki or palak can make it more nutritious while retaining the flavor.

Author: Bhima Rao — Founder of Bhimascook.com
Bhima Rao is an Indian vegetarian recipe curator with 15+ years of culinary experience in traditional and regional Indian cuisines. His mission is to preserve and promote authentic Indian vegetarian cooking for modern kitchens.

The Rajasthani Dal Baati Churma Recipe is not just a dish — it’s a celebration of Rajasthan’s rich culture and royal heritage. From the smoky baati to the creamy dal and sweet churma, each bite tells a story of tradition and pride. Try it today and bring the taste of royal Rajasthan to your home!

For more Indian vegetarian treasures, explore our full Rajasthani Recipes Collection.