Awadhi Style Sultani Dal Recipe
Dive into the rich culinary heritage of Awadhi cuisine with this delightful Awadhi Style Sultani Dal, a dish that perfectly balances the flavors of lentils, creamy dairy, and aromatic spices. This luxurious dal, enriched with milk, cream, and yogurt, is perfect for a hearty dinner and pairs beautifully with traditional Indian breads. The recipe is straightforward yet packed with flavor, making it ideal for both novice cooks and experienced chefs looking to explore the comforting tastes of Awadh.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arhar dal (Split Toor Dal) | 250 grams |
| Milk | 500 ml |
| Fresh cream | 125 grams |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 1 cup |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Green chilies (slit) | 2 |
| Garlic (chopped) | 4 cloves |
| Ginger (chopped) | 1 inch |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds (torn) | 2 |
| Ghee or oil for cooking | As needed |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Protein | 12 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 30 grams |
| Fat | 10 grams |
| Fiber | 5 grams |
Preparation Time
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 10 minutes |
| Cooking | 30 minutes |
| Total | 40 minutes |
Servings
- Servings: 4
Cuisine
- Cuisine: Awadhi
- Course: Dinner
- Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Instructions
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Prepare the Lentils: Begin the Awadhi Style Sultani Dal by rinsing the 250 grams of Arhar dal under cold running water until the water runs clear, ensuring that any excess starch is removed. Place the washed dal into a pressure cooker along with 2 cups of water, a pinch of turmeric powder, and salt to taste. Close the lid securely and cook for approximately four whistles on medium heat. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally, which will enhance the flavors of the dal.
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Muddle the Dal: After the pressure has released, open the cooker and transfer the cooked dal into a large saucepan. Using a muddler or a fork, gently muddle the dal to create a smooth, coarse paste, adding a little water if needed to reach your desired consistency. This step not only helps in thickening the dal but also enhances the overall texture.
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Incorporate Dairy: On medium heat, gradually add the 500 ml of milk, 125 grams of fresh cream, and 1 cup of curd (dahi/yogurt) to the muddled dal. Stir continuously to combine these ingredients thoroughly, allowing the mixture to simmer gently until it thickens slightly. The addition of milk, cream, and yogurt enriches the dal, giving it a luxurious mouthfeel that’s signature to Awadhi cuisine.
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Prepare the Tempering: While the dal simmers, heat a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add a sufficient amount of ghee or oil for cooking. Once hot, toss in 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds, allowing them to splutter for a few seconds, releasing their aromatic essence into the oil. Next, introduce the chopped ginger and garlic into the pan, sautéing them for a few minutes until fragrant and golden. Follow this with the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
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Add Heat and Spice: To the sautéed mixture, add the slit green chilies and 1 teaspoon of red chili powder. Stir well to combine and reduce the heat to low. This step will infuse the oil with heat and flavor, which will be poured over the dal.
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Combine and Serve: Pour the prepared tempering over the simmering dal, ensuring even distribution of the spices and flavors. Stir gently to combine all ingredients, allowing the dal to absorb the aromatic spices. Taste and adjust the salt if necessary.
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Presentation: The Awadhi Style Sultani Dal is now ready to serve. Garnish with fresh coriander if desired. This dish pairs beautifully with Awadhi Style Bakarkhani or any soft Indian bread like naan or roti, making for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Tips for Best Results
- For a richer flavor, consider using a mixture of ghee and butter for the tempering.
- The texture of the dal can be adjusted by varying the amount of water added while muddling.
- Serve this dal with a side of pickles and salad for a complete meal experience.
Enjoy the culinary journey through Awadh with this sumptuous Sultani Dal, a dish that speaks of tradition, comfort, and the love for food! Perfect for special occasions or a delightful dinner at home, it encapsulates the essence of Indian hospitality.
