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–+ servings

Kali urad ki dal

That creamy dark lentil curry that pairs perfectly well with grains or flatbreads is maa ki daal or Kali urad dal. Check out this easy recipe to use the Indian black lentil in this curry.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
to soak te urad dal 6 hours
Course Main Dish
Cuisine diabetic friendly, gluten free, Indian, instant pot, Kids choice
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • deep pot
  • ladle
  • frying pan
  • Pressure cooker

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Urad Dal sabut or whole
  • 3 cups drinking water for soaking
  • 2 cups drinking water for cooking

For buna masala

  • 1 medium onion
  • 2 medium tomatoes
  • 1 medium chilli
  • 3-4 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 inch ginger
  • 1 tbsp cooking oil

Masala powders

  • salt to taste
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala powder
  • 1/2 tsp kitchen king masala powder

for tempering

  • 1 tbsp ghee substitute with neutral oil if Vegan.
  • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1/4 tsp hing
  • 1/4 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder or paprika
  • 2-3 cloves garlic

Garnish

  • 1 tbsp coriander leaves. chopped

Instructions
 

  • Wash and soak the Urd dal with three cups of water for 3-6 hours.
  • Remove this water and add fresh water after the soaking time.
  • Pressure cook or cook this mix on the stove top till soft and tender ( see cooking methods in the post)
  • Once the bean is ready, slightly mash and set its aside.
  • Peel and chop the garlic, ginger and onions and set them aside till needed.
  • In a separate pan, start with the buna masala.
  • Saute the onions ginger and garlic in oil as till it caramelizes.
  • Now add the pureed tomatoes and saute further till the oil leaves the sides.
  • Add the masala powders and continue the saute to make the buna masala.
    buna masala for Kali dal
  • Add the cooked urad dal and mix well.
    Making maa ki dal.
  • Check salt levels.
  • Adjust water to have a slightly curry consistency and set to simmer.
    Indian black lentil curry.
  • In a seperate small pan add the ghee for tempering.
  • Add the cumin seeds and set it on medium heat.
  • When the cumin sizzles, add teh garlic
  • To this add chilli powder and asafortida and remove from heat.
    Tempering for the dal.
  • Pour this tempering on the simmering dal.
  • Turn off the heat and cover and leave the dal for 5-7 minutes.
  • The dal is now ready to be served.
    Kali urad ki dal
Keyword beans and legumes, curry recipes, Indian vegetarian dinner
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