Siddu (Himachal Pradesh)

Ingredients to make the dough

2 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon instant yeast
½ teaspoon ghee
Water, as required

Instructions to make the dough

1. In a mixing bowl add a pinch of the sugar to all of the yeast, some water & mix everything well. Cover & let the yeast activate.
   
2. Whilst the yeast is activating in a large mixing bowl mix together whole wheat flour, salt, the leftover sugar really well.
   
3. Add the bloomed yeast to the dry mix & mix well.
   
4. Add water little by little to form a semi-soft dough. Once the dough comes together knead for 2 / 3 minutes & knead in the ghee too.
   
5. Once everything is done, cover & let it rise for an hour.

Ingredients to make the Walnut Filling & for the assembly

1 cup urad dal, soaked
¼ cup walnuts, soaked in lukewarm water for an hour
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
1 onion, diced
2 green chillies
A handful of fresh coriander
A few garlic cloves
1 inch ginger, peeled
½ teaspoon cumin seeds
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
Salt to taste
Prepared dough

Instructions to make the Walnut Filling & assemble

1. In a mixer grinder add together the urad dal, walnuts, poppy seeds, coriander, ginger, garlic, cumin, haldi powder, salt & blend everything into a coarse paste.
   
2. ⁠Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a small lemon. Roll out each ball into a small circle.
   
3. ⁠ Place a tablespoon of the filling in the centre of each dough. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, and press the edges together to seal it.
   
4. ⁠Place the prepared siddu in a steamer, leaving some space between each. Steam them over boiling water for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and fluffy.
   
5. ⁠Serve hot with a dollop of ghee, tomato chutney & green chutney.