Bihari Urad Dal
Veg
Whole black lentils slowly cooked until creamy and tempered with ghee, garlic, cumin, and asafoetida — a protein-rich everyday dal that appears on the Bihari thali alongside rice, eaten especially in winter for its warming density.
Cuisines
Bihari
Best for
Lunch
Dinner
Recipe
Prep: 20 min
Cook: 40 min
Total: 60 min
2-3 servings
Ingredients
|
1 cup | Urad dal , split black gram |
|
3 cups | Water |
|
2 tablespoons | Mustard oil |
|
1 teaspoon | Cumin , seeds |
|
1 teaspoon | Fennel Seed |
|
1 teaspoon | Turmeric powder |
|
1 teaspoon | Red chili powder |
|
1 medium | Onion , finely chopped |
|
2 cloves | Garlic , minced |
|
1 inch | Ginger , grated |
|
2 medium | Tomato , chopped |
|
1 teaspoon | Garam masala |
|
— | Salt , to taste |
|
2 tablespoons | Cilantro , chopped |
Instructions
- 1 Wash the urad dal thoroughly under running water and soak it in water for 30 minutes.
- 2 Drain the soaked dal and set aside.
- 3 Heat mustard oil in a pressure cooker over medium heat.
- 4 Add cumin seeds and fennel seeds, allowing them to splutter.
- 5 Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- 6 Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute.
- 7 Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and oil starts to separate.
- 8 Add the drained urad dal to the cooker and mix well with the masala.
- 9 Pour in 3 cups of water and stir everything together.
- 10 Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook for 3-4 whistles on medium heat.
- 11 Allow the pressure to release naturally before opening the lid.
- 12 Stir in garam masala and adjust salt if necessary.
- 13 Garnish with chopped coriander leaves before serving.
Tips
For a richer flavor, add a dollop of ghee on top before serving.