Urad ki dal recipe

Urad Ki Dal Recipe: A Hearty Comfort Food

Urad ki dal, also known as black gram lentils, is a staple dish in many Indian households. Rich, creamy, and packed with protein, it's a dish that brings warmth and comfort to the table. This hearty dal is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. It's often served with rice or roti and garnished with fragrant spices to create a perfect balance of flavors.

In this blog post, we'll walk you through an easy recipe to make this delightful dish at home.

Ingredients :

1. For the Dal:

   • 1 cup urad dal (black gram split or whole)
   • 3 cups water
   • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
   • 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
   • 1-inch ginger, grated
   • 4-5 garlic cloves, finely chopped
   • 2 green chillies, slit
   • 1 tsp turmeric powder
   • 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
   • Salt to taste

2. For the tempering (Tadka):

   • 2 tbsp ghee or oil (ghee gives a richer flavor)
   • 1 tsp cumin seeds
   • 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
   • 1/2 tsp asafoetida (hing)
   • 1 dry red chilli
   • A handful of fresh coriander leaves, chopped
   • 1/2 tsp garam masala (optional)
   • 1 tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) for added flavor

Instructions :

Step 1: Preparing the Team

• Wash the urad dal thoroughly under water until the water runs clear. Soak the dal in water for about 20-30 minutes (especially important if using whole urad dal). This helps soften the lentils and reduces cooking time.

Step 2: Cooking the Dal

• In a pressure cooker, add the soaked urad dal along with 3 cups of water. Add salt, turmeric powder, and a pinch of asafoetida (hing). Close the lid and cook for 5-6 whistles, or until the dal is soft and mushy. If cooking in a pot, this may take up to 30-40 minutes, so keep checking and stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion-Tomato Base

• While the dal is cooking, heat some oil or ghee in a pan. Add cumin and mustard seeds, letting them crackle.
• Add finely chopped garlic, ginger, and slit green chilies. Sauté until the raw smell of garlic fades.
• Now, add chopped onions and cook until golden brown.
• Add tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and the oil starts to separate from the mixture. This is when the masala is cooked well.
• Add red chili powder and cook for another minute to release the flavors.

Step 4: Combining Dal and Masala

• Once the pressure cooker has cooled, open the lid and check the consistency of the dal. It should be soft and slightly creamy.
• Pour the onion-tomato masala into the cooked dal and stir well to combine. Adjust salt and spices if needed.
• Simmer for another 5-10 minutes on low heat to allow all the flavors to blend. You can add more water if the dal is too thick or cook for longer if it needs to thicken up.

Step 5: Tempering (Tadka)

• For an extra burst of flavor, prepare the tempering. Heat ghee or oil in a small pan, add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, dry red chili, and a pinch of asafoetida. Let them crackle.
• Once aromatic, pour this sizzling tadka over the dal and stir lightly.
• Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves, sprinkle some garam masala and crush kasuri methi between your palms for an added depth of flavor.

Step 6: Serve

• Your creamy, flavorful Urad ki Dal is now ready to be served. Pair it with steamed basmati rice, jeera rice, or hot chapatis for a wholesome meal. You can also serve it with a side of pickles, salad, or papad for a complete experience.

Tips for Perfect Urad Ki Dal :

1. Soaking : Soaking the urad dal helps in cooking it faster and makes it easier to digest.
2. Consistency : The dal can be made thick or runny based on your preference. Adjust water accordingly after cooking.
3. Ghee for Richness : Using ghee in the tadka adds a rich and aromatic flavor. For a vegan option, you can stick to oil.
4. Slow Cooking : Allowing the dal to simmer on low heat after adding the masala helps develop deeper flavors.
5. Optional Ingredients : You can add a splash of cream or butter to make the dal even richer, especially for special occasions.

Health Benefits of Urad Dal :

Urad dal is packed with protein, making it an excellent option for vegetarians and vegans. It's also rich in fiber, which aids digestion, and contains essential vitamins and minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium. Including this dal in your diet helps improve heart health, boost energy, and maintain overall wellness.

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Urad ki dal is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings comfort and nourishment. Whether it's a regular family dinner or a special meal, this dal never fails to impress. Try this recipe at home and enjoy the rich, creamy flavors of this traditional Indian delight!