Dahi Bhalla with Mint-Cumin Yogurt Sauce
Soft, spongy lentil puffs served with a zesty yogurt sauce made with fresh mint, cumin, and a hint of chaat masala for a tangy, festive snack. This indian-inspired indian ready in about 50 minutes blends chickpea flour, water, salt into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chickpea flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup oil
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp chaat masala
- 1/2 tsp sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup chickpea flour with 1/2 cup water and 1/2 tsp salt. Let rest for 10 minutes. Drop 1 tbsp batter into simmering oil (1/2 cup) and fry until puffed (about 2 minutes). Transfer to a plate.
- Step 2: In a blender, combine 1/2 cup yogurt, 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, 1/2 tsp cumin seeds, 1/2 tsp chaat masala, and 1/2 tsp sugar. Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt or sugar as needed.
- Step 3: Serve hot bhalla with a dollop of mint-cumin sauce and a side of chopped cilantro for garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dahi Bhalla with Mint-Cumin Yogurt Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (30 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Dahi Bhalla with Mint-Cumin Yogurt Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Dahi Bhalla with Mint-Cumin Yogurt Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Dahi Bhalla with Mint-Cumin Yogurt Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Dahi Bhalla with Mint-Cumin Yogurt Sauce?
Indian indian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The aroma while cooking this was absolutely heavenly.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better indian dishes though.
