Dal Makhani - Buttery Lentils

Dal Makhani

Dal Makhani which translates to Buttery Lentils is generally made with a lot of butter and cream. This is a lighter version (inspired by the late Tarla Dalal) of a dish that originated in the Punjab region of India. It's a popular dish among truckers who dine at truck stops all over India called 'dhabas'. Because it is made so rich with butter and cream, it is served on special occasions like weddings and festivals.

The base is a combination of whole urad dal and rajma or red kidney beans. The legumes are soaked overnight and pressure cooked the next day with onions, ginger and a variety of spices. In place of dry kidney beans, I used a can to save time.

In spite of using only half a stick of butter, these lentils were creamy and delicious. They go well with hot, steamed rice or with a variety of Indian breads.

Urad Dal

Skinned Black Gram or Urad Dal

Split Black Gram

Whole Black Gram

Here is an interesting excerpt on the benefits of consuming Urad Dal as part of your daily diet.

"Some types of dals or lentils are healthier when compared to other dals. For example, the black gram dal and moong dal are considered healthy as well as nutritious for their amazing properties. Urad dal, also known as white lentil or black lentil is a kind of bean that is grown in the southern parts of Asia. Also known as black dal, urad dal is used as a major ingredient in Indian cuisine for preparing a healthy diet. 

Both black and yellow urad dal are used for preparing a variety of dals with different flavours. It is highly valued due to its numerous health benefits. For example, Urad dal has protein, fat, and carbohydrates which is required by the body. If you are looking for a protein-friendly diet, then opt for urad dal. This dal is one of the richest sources of proteins and Vitamin B. 

Urad dal is also good for women as it has iron, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, potassium which makes it a healthy pulse. Urad dal is also rich in fibre which makes it easy to digest. Some types of dals are good for the heart as well. For example, urad dal benefits the health as it is good for the heart. Consuming urad dal helps to reduce cholesterol and improves cardiovascular health.

Moreover, if you are feeling lethargic and lack energy, then have black gram. It is one of the healthy pulses for vegetarians as it boosts energy in the body and has rich iron content which fights several health issues." 

For some of the amazing health benefits of including urad dal (black gram) in your diet, read more at: http://www.boldsky.com/health/wellness/2013/health-benefits-urad-dal/energy-booster-pf23551-036068.html

Lentils with Salad Shrimp

Ingredients:
1 cup urad dal, washed and soaked in water for 1/2 hour
1 lb. salad shrimp
1/2 pkg. frozen peas
4 Tbsp. oil
1/4 tsp. Shah Jeera or cumin seeds
1 tej pata (bay leaf)
1 jalapeno pepper, chopped
1/2 tsp. coriander powder
1/4 tsp. cumin powder
2 tsp. ginger paste
salt to taste & a pinch of turmeric
1/4 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. ghee
handful cilantro, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, sliced

Directions:
1. Cook lentils with salt and a pinch of turmeric and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a pan over high heat, sputter cumin seeds, bay leaf, coriander & cumin powders.
3. Add ginger paste and peppers and stir-fry until oil resurfaces.
4. Add shrimp to pan along with peas, stir-fry for a few minutes, then add cooked dal to the pan.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low, add sugar, adjust salt, cover and cook dal for a few minutes.
6. Remove from heat, garnish with ghee, cilantro and sliced peppers.

Lentils with Sweet Potatoes

Urad Dal with Sweet Potatoes

Serves: 6

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup kalai dal (urad dal)*

1 sweet potato or 1/4 pumpkin, peeled, diced and soaked in water

6-8 plum tomatoes, cut in half

2 Tbsp. extra light olive oil

½ tsp. shah jeera or cumin seeds

1 cinnamon stick

1 star anise

2 tsp. ginger paste

Salt to taste

1 tsp. ghee or melted butter

2–3 green chilies, left whole

Directions:

1. Wash lentils until water runs clear.
2. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds, cinnamon stick and star anise.
3. When cumin starts to sizzle, add sweet potatoes and tomatoes and stir.
4. Add lentils and ginger paste and cook until lentils are tender.
5. Blend with an immersion blender and adjust salt to taste.
6. Garnish with ghee and whole green chilies.
7. Transfer to a serving dish and serve with steamed rice or tortillas.

* The urad dal may be replaced with channa or toor dal.