Dal Bukhara Recipe: A Punjabi Classic
Dal Bukhara is a rich and creamy lentil dish that hails from Punjabi cuisine, known for its robust flavors and velvety texture. This delectable dish is perfect for a hearty dinner, often enjoyed with naan or rice and accompanied by a refreshing side like boondi raita. Below, you will find a detailed guide to crafting this mouthwatering dish at home.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Black Urad Dal (काली उरद दाल) | 1 cup (भिगो ले) |
| Onion (प्याज) | 1, finely chopped |
| Tomatoes (टमाटर) | 3, pureed |
| Ginger-Garlic Paste (अदरक लहसुन का पेस्ट) | 1 tablespoon |
| Green Chilies (हरी मिर्च) | 2, slit |
| Butter (मक्खन) | 2 tablespoons |
| Cumin Seeds (जीरा) | 1 teaspoon |
| Kasoori Methi (कसूरी मेथी) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt (नमक) | To taste |
| Red Chili Powder (लाल मिर्च पाउडर) | 1 teaspoon |
| Chaat Masala Powder (चाट मसाला पाउडर) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder (गरम मसाला पाउडर) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Powder (जीरा पाउडर) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cream (क्रीम) | 1/4 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 300 kcal |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fats | 12g |
| Fiber | 10g |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Servings: 4
Instructions
To prepare the delightful Dal Bukhara, start by soaking the black urad dal in water for a few hours, allowing it to soften and become more flavorful. Once soaked, drain the dal and transfer it to a pressure cooker, adding enough water to cover it. Cook the dal until it reaches 3 to 4 whistles, then allow the pressure to release naturally. Once opened, mash the dal slightly and set it aside.
Next, in a heavy-bottomed pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the cumin seeds and bay leaves, sautéing them until the cumin seeds begin to crackle, releasing their earthy aroma into the air. At this point, introduce the finely chopped onion, green chilies, and ginger-garlic paste into the pan. Sauté the mixture until the onions turn a lovely golden brown, enhancing their sweetness.
With the onions nicely caramelized, pour in the pureed tomatoes along with salt to taste. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully. After this, sprinkle in the kasoori methi, red chili powder, chaat masala powder, cumin powder, and turmeric powder, stirring well and cooking for an additional 2 minutes to deepen the flavors.
Now, it’s time to add the prepared lentils to the pan. Adjust the consistency by adding water as needed, and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing all the ingredients to harmonize. Finally, stir in the garam masala powder and a sprinkle of kasoori methi, cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
Once done, your Dal Bukhara will be ready to serve. This dish is best enjoyed warm, paired with bharta baingan (mashed eggplant), fluffy phulkas, and a side of cooling boondi raita.
Serving Suggestion
Serve the Dal Bukhara in a warm bowl, garnished with a drizzle of cream for an added touch of richness. Accompany it with your favorite Indian bread or steamed rice, and enjoy a truly sumptuous meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends!
This Dal Bukhara recipe not only celebrates the flavors of Punjabi cuisine but also showcases the love and care that goes into making a traditional dish. Whether it’s a festive occasion or a cozy dinner, this recipe will surely elevate your culinary experience. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite!
