Dhaba Style Urad Dal Recipe: A Flavorful North Indian Classic
Description
Dhaba style Urad Dal, also known as Maash Ki Dal, is a quintessential dish that hails from the roadside eateries (dhabas) of North India. Traditionally cooked in a handi (a deep, wide vessel), this dal has a unique, rich taste that is elevated by a simple yet flavorful tempering of fried onions, cumin seeds, garlic, and fresh ginger. The dish is hearty, protein-packed, and aromatic, making it a perfect accompaniment to roti or rice. The magic of this recipe lies in the slow-cooked dal combined with the zestful paste of green chilies, ginger, and garlic, topped off with the crispy tempering. This flavorful dal is an excellent addition to your lunch or dinner spread, bringing the authentic taste of a North Indian dhaba to your home.
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: High-Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
White urad dal | 1 cup |
Onion (for the dal) | 2, thinly sliced |
Green chili | 8 (adjust to taste) |
Cloves | 6, long (2-inch) |
Fresh ginger | 2-inch piece, thinly sliced |
Coriander powder | 1 tbsp |
Turmeric powder | ½ tsp |
Salt | To taste |
Oil (for cooking dal) | 2 tbsp |
Water | As needed |
Oil (for tempering) | 1 tbsp |
Onion (for tempering) | 1, thinly sliced |
Cumin seeds | 1 tsp |
Garlic (for tempering) | 2 cloves, chopped |
Fresh ginger (for garnish) | A few thin slices |
Fresh coriander leaves | A handful, for garnish |
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
45 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Urad Dal
To begin, thoroughly wash the white urad dal under cold water. Once cleaned, soak the dal in a bowl of water overnight. The next day, rinse the dal again before proceeding.
Step 2: Roast the Dal
In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the soaked and rinsed dal to the pan and roast it for 4 to 5 minutes until it becomes lightly golden and aromatic. This step enhances the flavor of the dal.
Step 3: Cook the Dal
Add enough hot water to the dal to cover it and bring it to a boil. Add salt to taste, then reduce the heat and simmer the dal until it is cooked but not too soft. The texture should remain firm. Turn off the heat and set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Ginger-Chili Paste
While the dal is cooking, take a mortar and pestle and grind the ginger, green chilies, and garlic together to form a smooth paste. Set this mixture aside for later use.
Step 5: Sauté the Onions and Spices
In another pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the sliced onions and sauté them until they turn soft and translucent. Add the ginger-garlic-green chili paste to the onions and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the paste begins to release its fragrance.
Step 6: Add the Dry Spices
To the pan, add coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Stir well and allow the mixture to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 7: Combine Dal with Spice Mixture
Add the cooked dal to the sautéed onion and spice mixture. Stir gently to combine the ingredients. Allow the dal to cook with the spices for 2 more minutes, then turn off the heat.
Step 8: Prepare the Tempering
For the tempering, heat a small pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle. Once the cumin seeds begin to pop, add the remaining sliced onions and chopped garlic. Sauté the onions until they become deep golden brown and crispy, releasing a rich aroma.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Pour the crispy tempering over the dal and give it a final stir. Garnish the dal with fresh coriander leaves and thin slices of ginger for a burst of freshness. Serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
For an authentic North Indian meal, serve this Dhaba Style Urad Dal with soft phulkas (Indian flatbreads) or a side of Rajasthani-style Sev Tomato Ki Sabzi. This comforting dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice for a fulfilling lunch or dinner experience.
Enjoy the flavorful, rustic taste of Dhaba Style Urad Dal – a North Indian classic that’s bound to become a family favorite!