Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Wash and Boil Split Peas

   Wash the split peas thoroughly. Add them to a pot of boiling water along with 1 tablespoon of salt. Boil for 25 to 30 minutes until the peas are par-boiled and can be easily squished between your fingers.

2. 2.Strain and Cool Split Peas

   Strain the boiled split peas and let them sit in the strainer for 20 to 30 minutes to cool down and dry out. Flip them occasionally during this time.

3. 3.Grind Split Peas with Seasonings

   Using a conventional mill (or a blender), grind the cooled split peas. As you grind, feed in the broad thyme leaves, garlic cloves, and red pepper along with the split peas. Grind until the mixture is crumbly.

4. 4.Mix in Ground Cumin

   Add 1 tablespoon of ground cumin (jeera) to the ground split pea mixture. Mix thoroughly by hand, breaking up any clumps. Taste and adjust salt if necessary.

5. 5.Prepare Roti Dough

   In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Add 1/4 cup of cooking oil and gradually add water while kneading until a soft, pliable dough forms. Oil the dough ball and let it rest for 10 minutes.

6. 6.Portion and Fill Roti Dough

   Break off equal-sized pieces of the rested dough to form small balls. Oil your hands, flatten a dough ball, place a spoonful of the seasoned split pea filling in the center, and then gather the edges of the dough to enclose the filling, forming a sealed ball. Repeat this process for all dough balls.

7. 7.Roll and Cook Dhal Puri

   Lightly flour a clean surface. Take a filled dough ball and gently flatten it. Use a rolling pin to roll it into a thin, round disc. Heat a frying pan (tawa) on high heat. Place the rolled Dhal Puri in the hot pan. Oil both sides with a mixture of cooking oil and margarine. Cook until golden brown spots appear and the Dhal Puri puffs up. Flip and cook the other side until done. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat for all Dhal Puris.

8. 8.Serve

   Serve the freshly cooked Dhal Puri warm, either folded or cut into triangles. Enjoy!