Rajasthani Dal Recipe
Experience the vibrant flavors of Rajasthan with this Rajasthani Dal recipe, a delightful dish that showcases the region’s rich culinary heritage. This wholesome preparation combines various lentils, fragrant spices, and fresh ingredients, resulting in a protein-packed meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Ideal when paired with traditional Bati or a delicious Spicy Paneer Pulao with Vegetables, and you can even finish off your meal with the irresistible Traditional Rasmalai for a complete experience.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Green Moong Dal (Whole) | 1/2 cup |
Chana Dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 1/4 cup |
Cumin (Jeera) seeds | 1 teaspoon |
Onion (roughly chopped) | 1 |
Garlic (finely chopped) | 4 cloves |
Ginger (finely chopped) | 1 inch |
Green Chillies | 2 |
Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch |
Bay leaf (tej patta, torn) | 1 |
Tomato (finely chopped) | 1 |
Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
Red Chilli powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
Asafoetida (hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
Salt | to taste |
Coriander (Dhania) leaves | 6 sprigs for garnish |
Lemon (juice extracted) | 1 |
Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
Cumin (Jeera) seeds (for tadka) | 1 teaspoon |
Dry Red Chillies (broken) | 2 |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | Approx. 200 |
Protein | 10 g |
Total Fat | 5 g |
Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
Carbohydrates | 30 g |
Dietary Fiber | 10 g |
Sugars | 3 g |
Sodium | Varies with added salt |
Preparation Time
Time | Duration |
---|---|
Preparation Time | 240 minutes |
Cooking Time | 30 minutes |
Total Time | 270 minutes |
Servings | 6 |
Cuisine | Rajasthani |
Course | Lunch |
Diet | High Protein Vegetarian |
Instructions
To begin the delightful journey of making Rajasthani Dal, start by soaking the green moong dal and chana dal in three cups of water for approximately three hours. This soaking step is crucial as it helps in softening the lentils, ensuring they cook thoroughly and absorb the flavors beautifully.
Once the soaking time has elapsed, heat the ghee in a pressure cooker over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and allow them to crackle, releasing their aromatic essence into the oil. Then, introduce the roughly chopped onion along with the finely chopped green chillies, ginger, and garlic. Sauté this mixture until the onions become soft and translucent, which will enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Next, add the torn bay leaf and the cinnamon stick to the pressure cooker. Sauté these aromatic ingredients for a few seconds until their fragrances begin to fill your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere. Afterward, add the finely chopped tomato, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and asafoetida (hing). Continue to sauté this mixture for about a minute until the tomatoes soften and meld with the spices, creating a rich base for the dal.
At this stage, carefully add the soaked dals into the pressure cooker along with salt to taste. If necessary, add water to ensure the liquid covers the lentils by at least two inches. This step is vital to ensure that the dals cook evenly and do not dry out.
Cover the pressure cooker securely and pressure cook the Rajasthani Dal for about five to six whistles, which typically takes around 20 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. This ensures that the dals continue to cook gently in the residual heat, allowing for optimal softness.
Once the pressure has fully released, check the dals for doneness. They should mash easily when pressed between your fingers, indicating they are cooked to perfection. Stir in the freshly extracted lemon juice and the chopped coriander leaves, enhancing the dish with a burst of freshness.
To elevate the flavors further, prepare the tadka (tempering). Heat ghee in a small pan over medium heat and add the cumin seeds and broken dry red chillies. Roast these for a few seconds until they become fragrant and slightly darkened. Turn off the heat and pour this aromatic tadka over the prepared Rajasthani Dal, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Your Rajasthani Dal is now ready to be served! Transfer it to a serving bowl and enjoy it hot alongside traditional Bati, or savor it with Spicy Paneer Pulao with Vegetables. Don’t forget to indulge in the delightful Traditional Rasmalai for a sweet finish to your meal. This hearty and flavorful dal is sure to transport your taste buds to the vibrant landscapes of Rajasthan. Enjoy!