Dal Maharani Recipe 🍲
Introduction:
Dal Maharani, also known as “The Queen of Indian Lentils,” is a delectable and nutritious dish that combines various lentils with aromatic spices, creating a flavorful and hearty meal. Perfect for lunch or as a snack, this dish pairs wonderfully with hot white rice, offering a satisfying culinary experience. For those seeking a lighter option, a dollop of low-fat yogurt can be substituted for fresh cream, enhancing its health benefits without compromising on taste.
- Recipe Category: Lunch/Snacks
- Keywords: Lentil, Beans, Asian, Indian, Weeknight, Stove Top
- Total Time: 5 hours 40 minutes
- Prep Time: 5 hours
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: 240.8
Ingredients:
- 1 onion
- 2 green chilies
- 1 tomato
- 3/4 inch ginger
- 1/4 cup red kidney beans
- 1/4 cup channa dal
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
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Soak Lentils:
- Begin by soaking the red kidney beans, black gram, and chana dal in water for 4-5 hours. This soaking process helps soften the lentils, ensuring they cook evenly and quickly.
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Pressure Cook Lentils:
- After the soaking period, pressure cook the lentils until they are tender. This typically takes about 20-25 minutes. Once cooked, set aside.
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Prepare Skillet:
- Transfer the cooked lentils to a skillet. Allow them to simmer over low flame for approximately 30 minutes, or until they become extremely soft and creamy in texture. This step allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Sauté Aromatics:
- Heat oil in a separate skillet. Sauté the finely chopped onions and ginger until the onions turn golden brown and the raw smell of ginger dissipates, infusing the oil with rich flavors.
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Add Tomatoes and Spices:
- Add diced tomatoes and sliced green chilies to the skillet. Continue sautéing until the tomatoes soften and release their juices. Sprinkle turmeric powder and red chili powder over the mixture, enhancing the dish with vibrant colors and aromatic spices.
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Combine Lentils and Aromatics:
- Pour the cooked lentils over the onion-tomato mixture in the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, allowing the flavors to mingle and intensify.
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Season and Simmer:
- Add salt to taste, ensuring the dish is perfectly seasoned. Stir once more, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together harmoniously.
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Finish with Butter:
- Just before removing from the flame, add a tablespoon of butter to the dal. This adds a rich, creamy texture and a luxurious flavor to the dish, elevating it to royal status.
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Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the Dal Maharani with freshly chopped cilantro, adding a burst of freshness and color to the dish. Serve hot alongside fluffy white Basmati rice for a wholesome and satisfying meal experience.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 240.8
- Fat Content: 18.3g
- Saturated Fat Content: 8.5g
- Cholesterol Content: 41.9mg
- Sodium Content: 43.4mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 16.4g
- Fiber Content: 4.2g
- Sugar Content: 4.2g
- Protein Content: 4.9g
Indulge in the rich flavors and comforting textures of Dal Maharani, a culinary delight fit for royalty! Whether enjoyed for lunch or as a satisfying snack, this dish promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.