Authentic Dhaba Style Urad Dal Recipe – Creamy & Flavorful North Indian Lentil Dish

Dhaba Style Urad Dal Recipe

This hearty and flavorful Dhaba Style Urad Dal is a classic North Indian dish that showcases the richness of urad dal (black gram lentils) paired with bold spices. Known for its thick, creamy texture and savory profile, this recipe is a perfect meal for lunch or dinner, bringing the comforting flavors of a traditional Indian roadside restaurant (dhaba) right into your home. Whether served with steamed rice or soft phulkas, this dish will transport you to the vibrant, flavorful streets of India.

Ingredients

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings: 4

Cuisine: North Indian

Course: Lunch

Diet: High Protein Vegetarian

Instructions

1. Prepare the Urad Dal
   Begin by thoroughly rinsing the urad dal in water. Once cleaned, soak the lentils in water overnight. The next day, wash the dal again, draining any excess water.

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2. Roast the Lentils
   Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pan or kadhai. Add the soaked and drained dal and roast it for 4 to 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn. This step adds a nice smoky flavor to the dal.

3. Cook the Dal
   After roasting, pour in hot water to cover the dal, add salt to taste, and cook the dal until it softens, stirring occasionally. This should take around 30 minutes. Once the dal is tender but not mushy, turn off the heat and set it aside.

4. Prepare the Spice Paste
   In a mortar and pestle (or a small grinder), combine the ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Grind them together into a smooth paste and set aside.

5. Sauté the Onions and Spices
   In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil and heat it. Add the sliced onions and sauté them until they turn soft and golden brown. Next, add the freshly ground ginger-garlic-chili paste to the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently.

6. Add Ground Spices
   Now, add the coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Stir everything together and let the spices cook for another 3 minutes, ensuring they release their fragrance and blend well.

7. Combine Dal with Spices
   Add the cooked urad dal to the pan with the sautéed onions and spices. Stir everything together until well combined. Cook for 2 more minutes on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

8. Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
   Heat a small tempering pan (or a tadka pan) and add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds. Let the cumin sizzle and crackle for a few seconds. Once it’s done, add a bit of finely chopped garlic and onion, and sauté until the onions turn brown and crispy.

9. Finish the Dish
   Pour the prepared tempering over the cooked dal, mix well, and garnish with fresh coriander leaves and thin slices of ginger. The aroma from the tempering will bring out the authentic Dhaba-style flavor of this dish.

10. Serve
    Serve this comforting Dhaba Style Urad Dal with steamed rice, chapati, or phulka. For a traditional touch, pair it with a side of Rajasthani Style Save Tomato Subzi for a fulfilling meal.

Tips for Perfect Dhaba Style Urad Dal:

• Soaking the Dal: Soaking the dal overnight is key to ensuring the lentils cook evenly and maintain their shape.
• Roasting the Dal: Don’t skip the roasting step. It adds a depth of flavor to the dal that’s typical of the “dhaba” style.
• Consistency of Dal: Keep an eye on the consistency of the dal. You want it to be thick and creamy, but not too watery. Adjust the water as needed while cooking.
• Tempering: The tempering at the end makes all the difference. It brings a crispy, smoky flavor that defines the dhaba experience.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

This Dhaba Style Urad Dal is a nourishing and high-protein dish perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner. The rich, hearty flavor comes from the slow-cooked lentils and the aromatic spices, making it a truly authentic North Indian recipe. Pair it with phulkas or steamed rice to complete the meal, and enjoy the taste of an Indian roadside dhaba right at your dining table!