Urad Dhuli

Dhuli Urad Dal Tadka (Split & Skinned Black Gram Lentil Curry)
Dhuli Urad Dal Tadka (Split & Skinned Black Gram Lentil Curry)
  • Prep Time 15 min
  • Cook Time 25 min
  • Servings 4 People
Ingredients
  • 1 1 cup (approx. 200g) Urad Dhuli (Split & Skinned Black Gram)
  • 2 3 cups (for cooking dal) + extra for adjustment Water
  • 3 1 medium, finely chopped Onion
  • 4 1 medium, finely chopped (or 1/2 cup tomato puree) Tomato
  • 5 1 tbsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
  • 6 1-2, slit (adjust to taste) Green Chili
  • 7 2 tbsp Ghee or Oil
  • 8 1 tsp Cumin Seeds (Jeera)
  • 9 1/4 tsp Asafoetida (Hing)
  • 10 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder (Haldi)
  • 11 1 tsp (adjust to taste) Red Chili Powder (Lal Mirch)
  • 12 1.5 tsp Coriander Powder (Dhaniya)
  • 13 1/2 tsp Garam Masala
  • 14 To taste Salt
  • 15 2 tbsp, chopped (for garnish) Fresh Coriander Leaves
  • 16 1 tsp (optional, for brightness) Lemon Juice
Instructions
  • 1 Rinse the Urad Dhuli several times under running water until the water runs clear. Soak the dal in fresh water for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This aids in faster and more even cooking. Drain the water.
  • 2 In a pressure cooker, combine the drained urad dal with 3 cups of fresh water, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 3-4 whistles on medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally. Alternatively, cook in a heavy-bottomed pot until soft and well-cooked, about 25-30 minutes, adding more water if needed.
  • 3 While the dal is cooking, prepare the tadka base. Heat 1 tbsp ghee or oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  • 4 Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies to the pan. Sauté for another minute until the raw smell of ginger-garlic disappears.
  • 5 Introduce the finely chopped tomatoes (or tomato puree) and cook until they soften and the oil starts to separate from the masala, about 5-7 minutes. Now, add the remaining turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, adding a splash of water if the masala begins to stick to the pan.
  • 6 Once the dal is cooked, gently mash it slightly with a spoon or ladle in the pressure cooker for a creamier texture. Add the cooked dal to the prepared masala base in the pan. Mix everything well.
  • 7 Adjust the consistency by adding more hot water if you prefer a thinner dal. Bring the dal to a gentle simmer. Add salt to taste and garam masala. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes for the flavors to meld beautifully.
  • 8 For the final tempering (optional but highly recommended): In a small pan, heat the remaining 1 tbsp ghee. Add cumin seeds and asafoetida. Once the cumin seeds splutter and turn golden brown, immediately pour this hot tempering over the simmering dal.
  • 9 Stir in fresh chopped coriander leaves and lemon juice (if using). Serve hot with steamed rice, roti, or naan for a complete meal.

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