Amritsari Sookhi Dal Recipe – A Flavorful Punjabi Delicacy
Welcome to a taste of Amritsar, where the rich flavors of Punjabi cuisine come to life. The Amritsari Sookhi Dal is a comforting dry lentil dish, perfect for pairing with a variety of Indian flatbreads like Tawa Paratha. This dish is loved for its earthy flavors and aromatic spices, and it embodies the true essence of rustic Punjabi cooking.
What is Amritsari Sookhi Dal?
Amritsari Sookhi Dal is a simple yet flavorful dry dal, traditionally made using split black urad dal. The dal is cooked with a blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and red chili powder, along with sautéed onions, tomatoes, and green chilies. Unlike many other dal dishes, this one is not soupy but rather served dry, making it the perfect accompaniment to flatbreads like tawa paratha or even rice.
This dish not only highlights the bold flavors typical of Punjabi cooking but also packs a nutritional punch. Black urad dal (split) is rich in protein and fiber, making it a healthy, filling choice for vegetarians.
Amritsari Sookhi Dal Recipe (Punjabi Dry Lentils)
Ingredients for Amritsari Sookhi Dal:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Split black urad dal (काली उरद दाल) | 1/2 cup |
| Onions (प्याज) | 2, finely sliced |
| Tomatoes (टमाटर) | 2, finely chopped |
| Green chilies (हरी मिर्च) | 3, finely chopped |
| Fresh ginger (अदरक) | 1/2 inch, grated |
| Fresh coriander (हरा धनिया) | 1/2 cup, finely chopped |
| Salt (नमक) | To taste |
| Red chili powder (लाल मिर्च पाउडर) | 1/2 tsp |
| Coriander powder (धनिया पाउडर) | 1/2 tsp |
| Turmeric powder (हल्दी पाउडर) | 1/4 tsp |
| Oil (तेल) | 1 tbsp |
| Carom seeds (अजवाइन) | 1/2 tsp |
| Cumin seeds (जीरा) | 1/2 tsp |
| Asafoetida (हींग) | A pinch |
| Fresh coriander (for garnish) | 1/4 cup, finely chopped |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Fiber | 8g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Potassium | 350mg |
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
How to Make Amritsari Sookhi Dal:
Step 1:
Start by washing the split black urad dal (काली उरद दाल) thoroughly 3 to 4 times to remove any impurities. Once washed, soak the dal in water for about 30 minutes. This helps soften the lentils and reduces the cooking time.
Step 2:
In a deep pan or kadhai, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1/2 teaspoon of carom seeds (अजवाइन), 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds (जीरा), and a pinch of asafoetida (हींग). Let these spices splutter for a few seconds to release their flavors.
Step 3:
Add 2 finely sliced onions (प्याज) to the pan and sauté them until they turn soft and golden brown. Stir occasionally to prevent the onions from burning.
Step 4:
Once the onions are soft, add 3 finely chopped green chilies (हरी मिर्च), 1/2-inch grated ginger (अदरक), and salt (नमक) to the pan. Cook for another minute to allow the spices and ginger to release their aroma.
Step 5:
Next, add 2 finely chopped tomatoes (टमाटर) to the pan along with 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (लाल मिर्च पाउडर), 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder (धनिया पाउडर), and 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder (हल्दी पाउडर). Cook the mixture until the tomatoes soften and the oil begins to separate from the masala (spice mix).
Step 6:
Once the tomatoes are cooked, add the soaked and drained urad dal (उरद दाल) to the pan. Stir the dal well with the masala to ensure the spices coat the dal evenly.
Step 7:
Add a small amount of water to the pan—just enough to help the dal cook. Since this is a dry dal, we don’t need to add too much water. Cover the pan and cook on low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the dal is fully cooked and soft.
Step 8:
Once the dal is cooked, check for seasoning and adjust salt if needed. Turn off the heat and garnish with 1/4 cup of freshly chopped coriander leaves (हरा धनिया).
Step 9:
Serve the Amritsari Sookhi Dal hot with Tawa Paratha, Bhatura, or even plain steamed rice for a delightful meal. Pair it with a side of cool, tangy Bundi Raita to balance the spices.
Serving Suggestions:
Amritsari Sookhi Dal is best enjoyed with traditional Punjabi breads like Tawa Paratha or Chapati. You can also serve it alongside Jeera Rice or Bhatura for a complete meal. Pair this with a refreshing yogurt-based Bundi Raita for a truly authentic experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Flavorful and comforting: The combination of spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric gives this dry dal a warm, earthy flavor.
- Protein-packed: Black urad dal is an excellent source of plant-based protein, making this dish filling and nutritious.
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and a few basic steps, this recipe comes together in less than an hour.
- Perfect for meal prep: Amritsari Sookhi Dal can be stored in the fridge for a couple of days, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights.
Tips and Variations:
- Make it spicy: If you love spice, add an extra green chili or a pinch of red chili flakes to the dal while cooking.
- Add vegetables: You can add vegetables like spinach, carrots, or peas to make the dal even more wholesome.
- Ghee finish: For an extra rich flavor, drizzle a tablespoon of ghee over the dal just before serving.
- Vegan option: This recipe is naturally vegan, but ensure to use oil instead of ghee for a fully plant-based dish.
Enjoy your homemade Amritsari Sookhi Dal with your loved ones and immerse yourself in the bold, aromatic flavors of Punjab!
