Sukhi Urad Dal Sabzi Recipe
Serve this delightful North Indian dish for a wholesome and fulfilling lunch, with its rich, earthy flavors and a touch of tanginess that comes from lemon. Sukhi Urad Dal Sabzi is a dry lentil preparation made using whole urad dal, which is naturally high in protein, making it an excellent vegetarian choice for those looking to enjoy a nutritious meal.
Description
Sukhi Urad Dal Sabzi is a simple yet flavorful North Indian-style lentil dish made with split white urad dal. The word “Sukhi” in Hindi means “dry,” as this dish is traditionally served without any gravy. It’s a perfect balance of earthy urad dal combined with aromatic spices, cooked and served dry. The lentils are soaked for several hours to ensure they cook perfectly and retain their texture while being steamed in a pressure cooker.
Cuisine
North Indian
Course
Lunch
Diet
High Protein, Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White Urad Dal (Whole) | 1 cup |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Ginger (finely chopped) | 1 inch piece |
| Green Chilli (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ghee | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon (juice) | 1 |
| Fresh Coriander Leaves (roughly chopped) | A few sprigs to garnish |
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
30 minutes
Instructions
-
Soak the Urad Dal: Begin by cleaning the urad dal thoroughly, rinsing it with water to remove any dust or impurities. Let the dal soak in enough water for at least 4-5 hours. After soaking, drain the water.
-
Pressure Cook the Dal: In a pressure cooker, add a little water at the bottom. Place the soaked and drained urad dal into the steamer pan of the pressure cooker. Add 1/4 cup of water to the dal and cook it for three whistles. Once the pressure cooker reaches the desired pressure, turn off the heat. Let the pressure release naturally, which will take about 5-10 minutes.
-
Cook the Spices: While the dal is cooking, heat a pan over medium heat and add 1 teaspoon of ghee. Once the ghee is hot, add the cumin seeds and asafoetida (hing), allowing the cumin to crackle and release its aromatic fragrance.
-
Sauté the Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onions, ginger, and green chili to the pan. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until the onions turn soft and translucent.
-
Combine the Cooked Dal and Spices: After the onions are cooked, add the pressure-cooked urad dal into the pan with the sautéed onions and spices. Add the turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt to taste. Stir everything together until well-combined.
-
Simmer and Adjust the Flavor: Cover the pan and cook the dal for an additional 3-4 minutes on low heat. This will allow the dal to fluff up slightly and absorb all the flavors. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
-
Finish with Lemon and Coriander: Once the dal is cooked to your liking, turn off the heat. Add the juice of one lemon, stirring it in to give the dish a fresh, tangy kick. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
-
Serve: Transfer the Sukhi Urad Dal Sabzi into a serving bowl and serve it hot with your favorite Indian bread, like phulkas, and side dishes such as No Onion and No Garlic Aloo Gajar Matar Ki Sabzi or Lauki Raita for a complete, wholesome meal.
Tips for the Perfect Sukhi Urad Dal Sabzi:
- Ensure that the dal is soaked properly before cooking. This helps the dal cook evenly and maintain its texture without becoming too soft.
- You can adjust the level of spice by adding more or less green chili depending on your preference.
- Ghee adds a rich flavor to the dish, but if you prefer a lighter version, you can use oil instead.
This Sukhi Urad Dal Sabzi recipe is not only nutritious but also bursting with flavor, making it a perfect addition to your lunch menu. The combination of earthy urad dal and aromatic spices makes this dish a wonderful option for anyone seeking a hearty, high-protein vegetarian meal.
