Hyderabadi Khatti Dal Recipe (Hyderabadi Tangy Lentil Curry)

Discover the vibrant flavors of Hyderabad with this delightful recipe for Hyderabadi Khatti Dal, a tangy lentil curry that tantalizes the taste buds with its unique blend of spices and tamarind. Perfectly suited for a cozy lunch, this dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, brinjal roast, and crispy papad.

Ingredients

Nutritional Information

Preparation Time

Servings

Instructions

To embark on your culinary journey with Hyderabadi Khatti Dal, start by thoroughly cleaning and washing the arhar dal under running water, ensuring all impurities are removed. Next, in a pressure cooker, combine the washed dal with the crushed garlic, grated ginger, turmeric powder, red chili powder, chopped green chilies, finely chopped tomato, and a pinch of salt. Pour in 2 cups of water, cover the cooker, and cook over medium heat until you hear a couple of whistles, which indicates the dal is cooking perfectly.

Once you’ve heard those delightful whistles, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for an additional 3 minutes. After this time, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally—this step is crucial to ensure your dal remains soft and flavorful. Once the pressure has released, carefully open the cooker.

With the dal cooked to perfection, whisk it well to achieve a smooth consistency. Now it’s time to introduce that signature tanginess: add the tamarind water to the dal and bring it to a brisk boil. After it starts bubbling, reduce the heat and let the dal simmer gently.

While the dal simmers, prepare the seasoning, known as tadka. In a small tadka pan, heat the sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds, allowing them to crackle and release their aromatic flavors. Once they are sizzling, toss in the sliced garlic and sauté until it turns a lovely golden brown, filling your kitchen with an enticing aroma. Follow this with the addition of curry leaves and dry red chilies; fry these for just a few seconds to infuse their flavors into the oil.

Carefully pour this fragrant tadka over the simmering dal and let it cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Once done, turn off the heat and check for salt, adjusting to your taste preference.

Pour the delicious Hyderabadi Khatti Dal into a serving bowl and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of color and freshness. Serve it warm alongside steaming rice, a flavorful Kathirikai Roast (brinjal roast), and crunchy papad for a wholesome meal that embodies the essence of Hyderabadi cuisine.

Enjoy your culinary creation, savoring each tangy, comforting bite of this delightful lentil curry that promises to transport you to the bustling kitchens of Hyderabad!