Bhatt Ki Dal Recipe – Traditional Kumaoni Black Bean Dal
Bhatt Ki Dal, a traditional Kumaoni dish, is a comforting black bean dal known for its earthy flavor and rich texture. This dish is a staple in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, and its simplicity and depth of flavor make it an ideal meal for any occasion. The black beans, also known as ‘Bhatt,’ are slow-cooked with aromatic spices, creating a hearty dal that is perfect to serve with warm phulka or steamed rice. Let’s explore how you can recreate this flavorful dish in your own kitchen.
Ingredients for Bhatt Ki Dal
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Black beans (soaked overnight) | 1 cup |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 4 cloves |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1/4 cup |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 2 teaspoons |
| Garam masala powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower Oil | As required for sautéing |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 36 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sodium | 500 mg |
Note: The nutritional information is based on standard ingredient measurements and can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings
- Serves: 4
Cuisine
- Cuisine: North Indian
Course
- Course: Lunch
Diet
- Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions for Preparing Bhatt Ki Dal
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Soak the Black Beans: Begin by soaking the black beans in plenty of water overnight. This helps to soften the beans, reducing the cooking time and making them easier to digest.
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Roast the Wheat Flour: Heat a kadai (wok) over medium heat and add the tablespoon of ghee. Once the ghee melts, add the whole wheat flour. Continue roasting the flour in the ghee until it turns light brown. This step adds a subtle nutty flavor to the dal. Once done, remove it from the kadai and set aside for later.
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Prepare the Base in the Pressure Cooker: Heat some sunflower oil in a pressure cooker over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and allow them to crackle. This releases their essential oils and adds depth to the dish.
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Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onion and garlic to the cooker. Sauté the mixture until the onions turn translucent and slightly golden brown. The garlic should also release its fragrance during this time.
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Add the Spices and Black Beans: To the cooked onion and garlic, add the soaked black beans (along with any water used to soak them). Then, add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring that the beans are well coated with the spices.
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Cook the Dal: Pour in enough water to submerge the beans by at least two inches. Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook the dal for 5 to 8 whistles, which typically takes around 25-30 minutes. The black beans should be tender and fully cooked by the time the pressure is released.
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Finishing Touches: Once the pressure cooker cools down and the pressure is released, open the lid. Add the roasted wheat flour to the dal, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. If the dal is too thick, add a little more water and stir to achieve the desired consistency. Keep cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the dal to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
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Final Adjustments: Taste the dal and adjust the salt and spice levels as needed. If you’d like more heat, you can add an extra pinch of red chili powder. Once everything is well combined and the dal has thickened to your liking, turn off the heat.
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Serve: Transfer the Bhatt Ki Dal to a serving bowl. Serve it hot with phulka (Indian flatbread) or steamed rice. For a complete meal, pair it with a side of Aloo Gobi Ki Sabzi (spiced potato and cauliflower curry).
Tips and Variations
- Spice Level: You can adjust the spice levels according to your preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of red chili powder or garam masala.
- Wheat Flour Substitute: If you are looking for a gluten-free version of Bhatt Ki Dal, you can substitute the whole wheat flour with rice flour or corn starch. The purpose of the flour is to help thicken the dal, so the substitute should provide a similar effect.
- Additional Garnish: To enhance the flavor and presentation of the dal, you can garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to add vegetables like tomatoes, spinach, or carrots for added flavor and nutrition.
Why You’ll Love Bhatt Ki Dal
Bhatt Ki Dal is a comforting and wholesome dish that’s packed with plant-based protein from the black beans, making it a satisfying choice for vegetarians. The unique combination of spices brings out the deep flavors, while the ghee and wheat flour add richness and texture. This dish is a great addition to any Indian meal and can be enjoyed with a variety of accompaniments such as rice, roti, or sabzi. Perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner, it is both nourishing and full of authentic Kumaoni flavors.
By following this recipe, you’ll be able to recreate a cherished Kumaoni family dish in your own kitchen, and treat your loved ones to a heartwarming meal that’s steeped in tradition.
