Bafauri
An authentic vegetarian recipe from Chhattisgarh, India
Cook Time
40 mins
Servings
4 servings
Difficulty
MediumCategory
VegetarianIngredients
For 4 servings
250g Chana dal (split Bengal gram)
1piece Onion (finely chopped)
3piece Green chillies (finely chopped)
10g Ginger (grated)
4piece Garlic cloves (minced)
20g Coriander leaves (chopped)
5g Cumin seeds
3g Turmeric powder
4g Red chilli powder
3g Garam masala
5g Salt
15ml Oil
12 ingredients needed
💡 Pro Tip: Gather all ingredients before you start cooking for a smooth preparation process.
Cooking Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to prepare this authentic dish
Soak the chana dal in water for 3–4 hours. Drain and grind coarsely — the batter should have some texture, not be completely smooth.
Click to mark as complete
Transfer the ground dal to a bowl. Add chopped onion, green chillies, grated ginger, minced garlic, coriander leaves, cumin seeds, turmeric, red chilli powder, garam masala, salt, and oil. Mix well.
Click to mark as complete
The mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape when formed into balls. If too wet, add a tablespoon of rice flour to bind.
Click to mark as complete
Grease your hands with a little oil and shape the mixture into small oval or round dumplings, about the size of a golf ball. You should get about 16–18 pieces.
Click to mark as complete
Prepare a steamer with boiling water. Line the steamer basket with a damp muslin cloth or banana leaf.
Click to mark as complete
Place the bafauri dumplings in the steamer in a single layer, leaving space between them.
Click to mark as complete
Steam on high heat for 20–25 minutes until the dumplings are firm, cooked through, and no longer sticky to the touch.
Click to mark as complete
Remove from the steamer and serve hot with green chutney or tamarind chutney.
Click to mark as complete
Chef's Tips
Coarsely grinding the dal (rather than making a smooth paste) gives bafauri its characteristic grainy, satisfying texture.
Steaming rather than frying makes bafauri a healthy, light snack — it is a popular fasting food in Chhattisgarh.
The dumplings are done when they feel firm and spring back slightly when pressed.
Bafauri can also be shallow-fried after steaming for a crispier exterior — a popular variation.
About This Dish
Bafauri is a traditional vegetarian dish from Chhattisgarh, India. This authentic recipe provides exact measurements for cooking 4 servings.
- Coarsely grinding the dal (rather than making a smooth paste) gives bafauri its characteristic grainy, satisfying texture. - Steaming rather than frying makes bafauri a healthy, light snack — it is a popular fasting food in Chhattisgarh. - The dumplings are done when they feel firm and spring back slightly when pressed. - Bafauri can also be shallow-fried after steaming for a crispier exterior — a popular variation.
Category
Vegetarian
Cook Time
40 mins
Servings
4 servings
Difficulty
Medium