Shahi Dal Recipe: A Royal North Indian Comfort Dish
Shahi Dal, a luscious and creamy dal recipe from North India, brings together the richness of white urad dal, the crunch of almonds, and the soothing essence of milk. Perfectly spiced with cumin, red chilies, and turmeric, itโs a delightful dish for any lunch gathering or house party. Its regal taste comes from a unique blend of ingredients that give this dal its signature creaminess and depth of flavor. Serve it with roti, rice, or a fresh salad, and enjoy the flavors of royalty in every bite!
Ingredients for Shahi Dal
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White Urad Dal (soaked for 8 hours) | 1 cup |
| Almonds (soaked and peeled) | 15 almonds |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Turmeric Powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| For Tempering | |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium onion |
| Tomato (chopped) | 1 medium tomato |
| Cumin Seeds | 1 tsp |
| Red Chili Powder | 1 tsp |
| Green Chili (chopped) | 1 green chili |
| Oil | 1 tbsp |
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 240 mg |
Instructions for Preparing Shahi Dal
Step 1: Cook the Dal and Almonds
To begin, wash and soak the white urad dal for about 8 hours. Drain the water before cooking. In a pressure cooker, add the soaked dal, peeled almonds, turmeric powder, salt, and enough water to cover the dal. Close the lid of the cooker and cook for about 4 whistles on medium heat. Once done, let the pressure release naturally before opening the lid.
Step 2: Add Milk for Creaminess
After the dal is cooked, open the cooker and add 1/2 cup of milk. Turn on the gas and let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes. Stir gently, ensuring the dal has absorbed the milk and becomes creamy. Taste for salt and adjust accordingly. Once the desired consistency is achieved, turn off the heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Tempering
For the tempering, heat oil in a separate pan. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle for a few seconds. Once the cumin seeds are aromatic, add the chopped onions and sautรฉ them until they turn soft and golden brown. Then, add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften, releasing their juices. Season with a pinch of salt and let the tomatoes cook down for a few minutes.
Step 4: Spice it Up
Now, add the red chili powder and cook for 2 more minutes, allowing the spices to blend well with the onion-tomato mixture. Add the chopped green chili for an extra kick, if desired. Once the mixture is fragrant and well-cooked, add the prepared dal to this tempering. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 5: Final Touches
Give the dal one final stir, taste for seasoning, and adjust salt as necessary. Turn off the heat, and your Shahi Dal is ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
Shahi Dal pairs wonderfully with a variety of Indian dishes. Itโs best served with Bhindi Masala (spicy okra), Tomato Onion Cucumber Raita (a cool yogurt-based side), and Phulkas (soft whole wheat flatbreads). The combination of textures and flavors brings a perfect balance to your meal.
For a wholesome lunch, you can also serve this dal with Jeera Rice or Steamed Rice, both of which complement the rich and creamy dal beautifully. The almonds add a delightful crunch, while the spices give it just the right amount of heat to make each bite satisfying.
Cooking Time
| Preparation Time | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 35 minutes |
Conclusion
Shahi Dal is a simple yet elegant dish that promises a delightful, hearty meal. Whether youโre preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this creamy, flavorful dal is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. The combination of urad dal, milk, and almonds, along with the perfect tempering of spices, gives this dish a rich, luxurious taste that makes it a true treat from North India.
