Shahi Dal Recipe: A Rich North Indian Delight
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of Shahi Dal, a traditional North Indian dish that encapsulates the essence of comfort food while being a high-protein vegetarian option. This rich and creamy dal, made from white urad dal (whole) and garnished with almonds, is perfect for a hearty lunch. The combination of spices and the unique method of preparation elevate this dish, making it a must-try for anyone seeking to explore the delightful world of Indian cuisine.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White Urad Dal (Whole) – soaked for at least 8 hours | 1 cup |
| Badam (Almond) – soaked and skin peeled | 15 |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Onion – chopped | 1 |
| Tomatoes – chopped | 1 |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Green Chilli – chopped | 1 |
| Sunflower Oil | As required |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 250 |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Total Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8 g |
| Sugars | 4 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Preparation Time
| Activity | Time (minutes) |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 10 |
| Cooking | 35 |
| Total | 45 |
Servings
- Serves: 4
Cuisine
- Type: North Indian Recipes
- Course: Lunch
- Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Instructions
To embark on your culinary journey with the Shahi Dal, start by preparing the base of this dish, which involves pressure cooking the soaked urad dal along with the almonds, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt. It’s essential to allow the pressure cooker to whistle for at least four times, ensuring that the dal is soft and fully cooked.
While the dal is cooking, heat a saucepan over medium flame and add a generous drizzle of sunflower oil. Once the oil is hot, toss in the cumin seeds and let them splutter for a few seconds, releasing their earthy aroma. Next, introduce the chopped onions into the pan, sautéing them until they turn translucent and fragrant, which will create a beautiful foundation for your dal.
Following this, add the chopped tomatoes and a sprinkle of salt, cooking them until they become soft and mushy. This will take a few minutes, and you can enhance the flavor by adding the red chili powder. Give everything a good toss and allow the mixture to cook for an additional two minutes, allowing the spices to meld together beautifully.
Once the dal is cooked, carefully open the pressure cooker lid and add in half a cup of milk, which adds a creamy richness to the dish. Return the pressure cooker to the heat and allow it to simmer for another two minutes, incorporating the flavors.
Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if necessary. Finally, pour the aromatic tempered onion and tomato mixture over the dal, giving it a lovely garnish.
Serve your Shahi Dal hot, accompanied by warm phulka, Manipuri Style Chana Kanghou, and a refreshing Palak Raita on the side to create a delightful and satisfying lunch that everyone will love. This dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a celebration of the rich culinary heritage of India. Enjoy your meal!
