What Is Urad Dal Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about watching urad dal transform into a luscious, aromatic dish, and I’m here to guide you through crafting this savory delight, perfect for warming up a cozy dinner with a burst of Indian flavors!

I love preparing dishes with urad dal, a lentil that is high in protein and forms the basis of many an Indian meal. When it is allowed to simmer with spices so aromatic they could be the actual definition of aromatherapy—cumin and mustard seeds are in my top five for that—they become infused with the flavors of the dishes we typically make with urad and get directed en route to our plate.

What Is Urad Dal Recipe Ingredients

• Urad Dal (Black Gram Lentils): High in protein and fiber, supports digestion and energy.
• Garlic: Offers antibacterial properties and enhances heart health.
• Ginger: Aids digestion and has anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Turmeric Powder: Contains curcumin with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Cumin Seeds: Promote digestion and add earthy warmth.

What Is Urad Dal Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup urad dal (black gram lentils)
• 3 cups water
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• Salt to taste
• 1-2 tablespoons cooking oil or ghee
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

How to Make this What Is Urad Dal Recipe

1. Wash the urad dal well under running water until the water is no longer cloudy. Allow the dal to sit in a bowl of water for about 30 minutes; it will not double in size, but it will soften. Drain the dal.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the oil or ghee. When it is hot, add the cumin seeds and mustartd seeds, allowing both to sizzle and sputter.

3. Put the onions that have been cut and chopped into the pan and stir them around in the heated oil until they are no longer raw and have turned a golden brown color.

4. Combine the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced green chilies. Stir for a minute until they are fragrant.

5. Incorporate the tomatoes that have been chopped fine and cook them until they are soft and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.

6. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Stir well to combine the spices with the tomato mixture.

7. Soaked and drained urad dal is added to the pan and sautéed for a few minutes. The dal is then coated with the spices and aromatics.

8. Add salt to taste and pour in 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover the pan with a lid.

9. 20-25 minutes simmer dal. Lentils tender, dal done. Stir occasionally. Season to taste. Serve.

10. Top with freshly chopped coriander leaves and serve steaming hot, with lemon wedges on the side.

What Is Urad Dal Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large bowl
2. Colander or sieve
3. Large skillet or pan with lid
4. Wooden spoon or spatula
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Grater
8. Measuring cups
9. Measuring spoons

FAQ

• What is urad dal?Black gram lentils, also known as urad dal, are a standard ingredient of Indian cooking. They’re high in protein, and the dals (the cooking form of the ingredient) are used in many Indian dishes. Cooking urad dal with milk makes a dish common in South India. It is also sometimes used, more rarely, in North Indian cuisine, where cooking it with mustard oil is a common prep method.
• Can I prep ingredients beforehand?Indeed, saving time can be accomplished by chopping the onions, tomatoes, garlic, and ginger ahead of time and storing them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This way, when the time comes to do the actual cooking, the chopping portion of the task will be behind you.
• How do I know when the urad dal is cooked?The dal is complete when it has softened and turned creamy, sucking up the tastes from the spices. This generally requires 20-25 minutes of simmering.
• Is it necessary to soak the urad dal before cooking?Soaking urad dal for a minimum of 30 minutes can lessen the amount of time it takes to cook the lentils, but it is not a required step. If you choose not to soak the dal, you can still cook it; the time it takes might just be a bit longer.
• Can I use a pressure cooker for this recipe?Certainly! A pressure cooker can cut down the cooking time considerably. Here are the steps:
  1. Cook the dal with water for about 3 whistles.
  2. Then proceed to temper with spices.
• What can be used instead of fresh coriander leaves?When fresh coriander cannot be obtained, you can use a sprinkle of dried coriander leaves or a dash of coriander powder to garnish, though it won’t provide the same fresh aroma.
• What can be served with urad dal?Steamed rice, naan, or chapati complement urad dal. Adding a side of lemon wedges boosts the flavor even more.

What Is Urad Dal Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1 cup of urad dal (black gram lentils) could be replaced with 1 cup of green lentils or mung beans.
Three to four cloves of minced garlic could be substituted with half a teaspoon of garlic powder.
You could substitute 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for the 2 green chilies, slit.
1 teaspoon mustard seed could be substituted with 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard for a different flavor profile.
You can replace cooking oil or ghee (1-2 tablespoons) with an equal amount of coconut oil or sunflower oil.

Pro Tips

1. Soak the Urad Dal Longer Although the recipe calls for a 30-minute soak, soaking the urad dal for 2-3 hours can help make the lentils even more tender and reduce cooking time.

2. Tempering the Spices Ensure the oil or ghee is sufficiently hot before adding the cumin and mustard seeds. This allows them to release their full aroma and enhances the flavor of the dish.

3. Tomato Consistency If the tomatoes are not breaking down easily, you can cover the skillet for a couple of minutes after adding them. This helps them become soft and integrate better into the masala.

4. Adjust Spice Levels Taste the dish as it simmers and adjust the amount of chili powder and salt to your preference. You can also add extra green chilies for more heat.

5. Consistency If you prefer a thicker dal, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow more water to evaporate. For a soupier consistency, add a little more water and adjust the seasoning.