Mithila Urad Dal

Mithila Urad Dal

Mithila Urad Dal

Veg Vegan

Whole black gram slowly boiled until very soft and tempered with mustard oil, garlic, and dried red chillies — a thick, protein-dense daily pairing with rice across Mithila, distinct from both the Punjabi dal makhani (no cream) and the Bihari version in its heavier use of raw garlic.

Cuisines

Maithili

Best for

Lunch Dinner

Recipe

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Total: 50 min 2-3 servings

Ingredients

1 cup urad dal (split black gram)
3 cups water
1 tablespoon mustard oil
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1 teaspoon ginger paste
1 teaspoon garlic paste
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
2 green chilies, slit
1 teaspoon salt or to taste
2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped

Instructions

  1. 1 Wash the urad dal thoroughly and soak it in water for 15 minutes.
  2. 2 Heat mustard oil in a pressure cooker over medium heat.
  3. 3 Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
  4. 4 Add finely chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
  5. 5 Stir in ginger paste and garlic paste, and sauté for another minute.
  6. 6 Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and the oil starts to separate.
  7. 7 Mix in turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt.
  8. 8 Add the soaked urad dal and slit green chilies, and stir well to combine with the spices.
  9. 9 Pour in 3 cups of water and mix well.
  10. 10 Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook for 3-4 whistles on medium heat.
  11. 11 Allow the pressure to release naturally, then open the lid and check the consistency.
  12. 12 Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

Tips

For a richer taste, you can add a dollop of ghee before serving.