Urad Dal: Easy, Tasty, and Nutritious Recipe

I love lentils and have long used them as a pantry staple due to their deliciousness and high plant-based protein, fiber, and mineral content.

If you’re a Pakistani, you know that Pakistanis like chicken and meat meals much more than vegetarian ones. But they love their lentils and find that daal is an excellent accompaniment to non-vegetarian cuisine. It reduces the amount of meat and provides the body with a broader range of nutrients.

This urad dal is delicious and would be great for an easy dinner during the week or on the weekend. This dish is so flavorful and hearty that you will adore it for many reasons besides its delicious spice combination. 

This nutritious dish pairs well with roti, flatbread, brown or white rice, cauliflower rice, curry, or any vegetable side dish. Guests will be compelled to lick their plates clear.

What Is Urad Dal?

Urad dal is known as Mash dal or black gram lentils. The split, skinned, off-white/ivory-colored black gram lentils are called urad daal. Their color is due to removing the urad dal’s black skin. Other lentils, such as makhani dal, are made with the skin still on. Even though it tastes fantastic, urad dal is essential in different recipes.

These lentils are also called maa di dal, manh di daal, or mah di daal in Punjabi.

Ingredients You Need

• Urad Dal: These are the main ingredients of this recipe. Urad lentils are a filling food and a great source of protein and fiber.
• Turmeric Powder: Gives it a rich taste and that unique yellow color.
• Ginger Paste: The zesty, peppery element! Ginger adds a robust and fresh undertone to the urad dal, balancing the garlic well. If fresh ginger isn’t available, a simple substitute is ginger powder.
• Garlic: I used garlic in both dal and tadka for an earthy, intense flavor.
• Salt: Add a little salt to balance tastes.
• Olive Oil: I used olive oil. It’s an excellent option and full of good fats. Melted butter or ghee may be utilized for olive oil. It is pretty delicious!
• Onion: Onions have a savory, somewhat sweet taste. Although red, yellow, or white onions can be used in this dish, I prefer yellow ones.
• Green Chilies: These add an extra kick of heat. The quantity can be adjusted to your liking. If necessary, substitute jalapenos or serrano peppers.
• Garam Masala: It adds flavor and zing to your food. 
• Cilantro: Adds refreshing flavors.

How To Make Urad Dal

• Wash and rinse: Wash and rinse the urad dal several times and drain it.
• Add to a pot and boil: Place the urad dal and water in a large pot. Put the lid on and bring it to a boil. You can also use the hot boiling water from the kettle to speed up the process. Cook until the water reaches boiling point. Take care, and do not let the water boil over.
• Skim off the impurities: Spoon off the foam that rises to the water surface using a slotted spoon.
• Add spices: Add the turmeric, ginger-garlic paste, and salt.
• Let it cook: Turn the heat down and continue cooking with the lid slightly ajar. Let it simmer for about 40 minutes or until the water almost evaporates and the lentils are tender. Take care, and keep checking to stir to prevent the bottom from burning. 
• Turn off the flame: Turn the heat off once the dal is cooked, and make the tarka.
• Prepare tadka: Heat the oil in a small frying pan and fry the sliced onion until almost golden brown. Add the chopped garlic and chili slices, and continue frying until the garlic is golden brown.
• Transfer to dal pot: Carefully pour the garlic-chili oil into the dal and put the lid on the pot. Leave the dal to soak and infuse the chili oil for 3-4 minutes. 
• Garnish and serve: Stir the dar gently and scatter some chopped cilantro over the top before serving. 

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: You can keep the leftovers in the fridge for up to three days.
• Freeze: You can freeze dal for up to two months if you store it in an airtight container.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen dal in a saucepan or microwave. If you thaw frozen dal, add a little hoo to help it melt. Bring to a boil, stirring continuously, and then remove from the heat. If you add more water, you may need to add more salt.

Let the frozen dal thaw in the fridge overnight if you have time. Next, reheat it in a microwave or on the stovetop.

Tips For Perfect Urad Dal

Here are some tips to make this dish taste great and become a favorite whenever you want curry or dal.

• Use Fresh Dal – Fresh dal cooks more quickly than old dal. If you pick and dry dal, it’s best to use it within a year. Cook the dal for 30 minutes if it has been in the pantry for over nine or ten months.
• Add Water With Caution – When boiling the lentils, it’s essential to be careful and use less water. It’s easy to fix undercooked lentils but impossible to fix overcooked ones.
• Consistency – For a thicker dal, use less water; if it becomes too thick, you may always add more later. However, if you want to do this, you must pay closer attention.
• Substitute: If you can’t find urad dal at your local Indian supermarket, you may use any common lentil—brown, beluga (black), or French—that retains its shape when cooked in its place. The cooking time may differ depending on the kind of lentil you choose.

Substitutions & Variations

• Dhaba-style: This dish may also be made as mash ki daal, inspired by how these lentils are made in roadside cafés and street food sellers. While the lentils remain al dente, they are encased in a delicate broth that resembles a curry made with tomatoes and onions.
• Add spinach: You can add some fresh spinach to make this mash ki daal tasty and filling.  
• Other lentils: You can use French green lentils, brown lentils, red lentils, or any other dry lentils you like instead.

How To Serve Maash Ki Daal

Usually, flatbreads such as naan bread, roti, or paratha are served with this lentil curry. Dal is best served with kachumber salad or crisp, fresh veggies like cucumbers, carrots, or onions to give it some crunch and texture. It tastes excellent with mixed pickles/achar and chutney.

FAQ’s

Authentic Dal Recipe!

This is an authentic urad dal recipe that uses split lentils. For all Desis, dal is the ultimate comfort dish. This hearty, comforting, and delectable dal recipe will win the hearts of all.

Whether you make it on a Sunday afternoon or serve it at a formal dinner, this dish will be the show-stopper. Enjoy a comforting and delicious meal!