Kali dal (black lentils)

Updated at: Thu, 17 Aug 2023 06:03:02 GMT

Step 1

After washing, in a bowl, soak whole urad (black) and rajma overnight in a lot of water.

Step 2

In the morning, wash again, and drain excess water.

Step 3

In a pressure cooker safe vessel, add the soaked dal. Add 1 black cardamon, 1 inch ginger crushed, 3 garlic cloves crushed, and 1 tsp salt. Add water in a way that at least 3 inches of water remain on top.

Step 4

On a low flame, cook in the pressure cooker for 6-7 whistles. After cooking, switch off the gas, and let it cool. This takes around 20 mins.

Step 5

Roughly chop onions and tomatoes and remaining 1 inch ginger, 1 clove garlic, and 1 green chilli.

Step 6

Grind onions in a blender to a fine puree. Keep the puree aside.

Step 7

Grind tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and chilli in a blender, to a fine puree.

Step 8

Keep the tomato puree aside.

Step 9

In a pressure cooker or saucepan, add 3 tbsp of ghee, cumin seeds, cardamon, and cinnamon stick.

Step 10

Add the onion puree to the ghee.

Step 11

Fry well for around 5-7 mins till it turns golden brown.

Step 12

Add the tomato puree and mix well. Fry for another 5-7 mins.

Step 13

When oil starts separating in the pan, add salt, turmeric powder (haldi), red chilli powder and coriander powder.

Step 14

Fry well for 2-3 mins.

Step 15

Add the cooked dal to the masala in the pressure cooker.

Step 16

Add 1 tsp garam masala (I used Everest Royal Garam Masala powder) and crushed dry fenugreek leaves (Kasuri Methi).

Step 17

Mix well and add 3-4 cups water till the dal is fully immersed in the water. Check for salt and adjust accordingly.

Step 18

Cook on low flame for 20 mins for 2 whistles if cooking in pressure cooker. If cooking in saucepan, cook with lid covered for 20 mins. Check in between.

Step 19

In a tadka pan, heat 1 tbsp ghee.

Step 20

After the cooker/pan gets cooled, open the lid, and pour the hot ghee into the dal. Immediately close to lid to ensure the aroma does not escape.

Step 21

After 5 mins, open the lid, and stir well.

Step 22

(optional) Drizzle some fresh cream on top.

Step 23

Serve hot with white rice or paratha and raw onions.

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