Ramdwara-Style Steamed Lentil Dumplings
Simple, nourishing vegan dumplings inspired by the spiritual simplicity of Ramdwara, steamed in banana leaves. This indian-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 57 minutes pairs finely minced Green chilies, grated Ginger, Cumin seeds for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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 cup (180g), soaked for 4 hours and drained Yellow moong dal
- 2, finely minced Green chilies
- 1 tbsp, grated Ginger
- 1/2 tsp Cumin seeds
- 2 large, cleaned and blanched Banana leaves
- 2 tbsp, chopped Coriander leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: In a food processor, blend soaked moong dal, green chilies, ginger, and cumin seeds until smooth and sticky, about 3 minutes. Add 1/4 cup water if too thick, then fold in 1 tbsp chopped coriander.
- Step 2: Divide mixture into 8 portions (about 2 tbsp each). Place each portion on a banana leaf, shape into a small oblong, and fold the leaf over to enclose completely, securing with a toothpick.
- Step 3: Arrange dumplings seam-side down on a steamer rack over boiling water. Steam for 12 minutes until firm to the touch and the leaves are translucent. Unfold carefully to reveal the soft, golden centers.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ramdwara-Style Steamed Lentil Dumplings take to make?
Total time is about 57 minutes (45 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Ramdwara-Style Steamed Lentil Dumplings?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep finely minced green chilies from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Ramdwara-Style Steamed Lentil Dumplings?
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 Ramdwara-Style Steamed Lentil Dumplings for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.
Is Ramdwara-Style Steamed Lentil Dumplings vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better vegan dishes though.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
- ★★☆☆☆
Followed exactly and it was underwhelming. Maybe my expectations were too high.
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