Recipe- Chatpati Sookhi Urad Dal

Sookhi Urad Dal is a one of the popular lentil preparation from the Northern States of India.. Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Usually lentils are prepared in curry or stew style.

This dal is just the opposite from the regular lentil preparation.In many states of India, Urad Dal is widely used to make idlis like these idlis, savoury crepes and dumpling(like dal ke pakore or medu vada), used in filling for Kachoris(Dal Ki Kachori, Khasta Kachoris), Papads/Poppadoms etc. In Northern states, it is also prepared in curry style or dry form and paired with rice or chapatis.

Ingredients

1 Cup Dhuli Urad Dal/Skinned Split Bengal Gram
1 Onion(small Chopped) optional
1-2 Garlic Cloves
Fresh Ginger(small piece)
1-1 tsp Garam Masala Powder
1/2 tsp Red Chilli Powder or as per taste
1/4 tsp Amchur/Dry Mango Powder optional
2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
Salt to taste
1 Bay Leaf
3-4 Cloves
1 Dry Whole Red Chilli

Method

* Wash dal and soak in water fro 15-20 minutes.

* Drain Water,add dal in a pressure cooker. Add around 1 Cup water.

* Let it boil, once the froth accumulates at top, discard it, add turmeric powder and salt as per taste.

* Close the lid and cook Dal for 1 whistle. Release pressure manually.

* If there is water, strain it and keep dal aside.

* In a pan or kadhai. add oil, once it is warm add whole spices, cumin seeds.

* Once seeds splutter, add onions and garlic and saute for 2-3 minutes, till onions are light brown in color.

* Add garam masala powder, red chilli powder(if using), mix then add dal.

* Mix it very lightly. Take care, don't mash dal.
Serve hot with chapatis or parantha.

* Adding a spoonful of ghee, enhance the taste of dal. You can make tempering of desi ghee, cumin seeds and red chilli powder and add to dal before serving.