Shahi Dal Recipe: A Luxurious North Indian Comfort Dish
Shahi Dal is an indulgent and creamy lentil dish, where the richness of whole urad dal (black gram) is perfectly complemented by the crunch of soaked almonds. This delightful dish is further enhanced with a flavorful tempering of sautéed onions, tomatoes, cumin seeds, and red chili powder, making it a true feast for the senses. Whether paired with soft phulka, thepla, or tawa paratha, Shahi Dal offers the perfect combination of flavors and textures, making it a comforting meal for any occasion. For those who prefer a lighter meal, it’s equally satisfying when served with steamed rice, generously topped with ghee.
This Shahi Dal recipe is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a rich, high-protein vegetarian dish that embodies the essence of North Indian cuisine. It’s easy to prepare, making it ideal for both seasoned cooks and beginners. Serve it as part of a delicious lunch spread with sides like Manipuri Style Chana Kanghou and Palak Raita for a wholesome, fulfilling meal.
Ingredients for Shahi Dal
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White Urad Dal (Whole) | 1 cup, soaked for at least 8 hours |
| Whole Almonds (Badam) | 15, soaked and skin peeled |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| For Tempering | |
| Onion | 1, chopped |
| Tomatoes | 1, chopped |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Green Chilli | 1, chopped |
| Oil | As needed for tempering |
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
35 minutes
Instructions for Preparing Shahi Dal
-
Cook the Dal:
- Start by washing the soaked urad dal thoroughly. In a pressure cooker, add the soaked dal, peeled almonds, turmeric powder, and salt. Pressure cook the mixture for at least 4 whistles, ensuring the dal is soft and fully cooked.
-
Prepare the Tempering:
- While the dal is cooking, heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds to the hot oil and allow them to splutter for a few seconds, releasing their aromatic flavor.
- Add chopped onions and sauté them until they turn translucent and slightly golden.
- Once the onions are ready, add the chopped tomatoes, a pinch of salt, and cook until the tomatoes become soft and mushy.
- Sprinkle in the red chili powder and stir well for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the spices to meld into the mixture.
-
Combine Dal and Tempering:
- Once the dal is cooked, open the pressure cooker and add a cup of milk to the dal. Stir well to incorporate the milk, and place the cooker back on the heat for 2 more minutes. Adjust salt as needed.
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Final Touch:
- Pour the prepared tempering of sautéed onions and tomatoes over the cooked dal and give it a final stir. Allow the flavors to meld for a minute or two.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Shahi Dal hot, paired with phulka, Manipuri Style Chana Kanghou, and Palak Raita for a truly indulgent meal. Alternatively, enjoy it with steamed rice and a generous dollop of ghee for a comforting meal.
Serving Suggestions:
Shahi Dal is perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner. You can serve it with various types of Indian flatbreads like phulka, tawa paratha, or thepla, as they complement the richness of the dal beautifully. For a more substantial meal, pair it with a side of Manipuri Style Chana Kanghou and Palak Raita, adding more depth and variety to your meal.
This high-protein vegetarian dish is not only satisfying but also nourishing, making it a great option for those looking to enjoy a wholesome, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor and goodness.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 350 kcal |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sodium | 400mg |
Tips for the Perfect Shahi Dal:
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Soaking the Dal: Make sure to soak the urad dal and almonds for at least 8 hours. This ensures that the dal cooks faster and the almonds soften, adding the desired crunch and flavor to the dish.
-
Adjusting the Consistency: If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more milk or water during cooking. For a thicker consistency, reduce the amount of liquid added towards the end of cooking.
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Flavor Enhancements: Feel free to add a pinch of garam masala or kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) for an added layer of flavor in the tempering.
Enjoy this Shahi Dal recipe and make your next lunch a royal affair with this creamy, comforting dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
