Sookhi Urad Dal, dry preparation of Split Bengal Gram Lentils in Indian Spices | Learn how to make Sookhi Urad Dal
Sookhi Urad Dal is a one of the popular lentil preparation from the Northern States of India.. Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Usually lentils are prepared in curry or stew style. This dal is just the opposite from the regular lentil preparation.In many states of India, Urad Dal is widely used to make idlis like these idlis, savoury crepes and dumpling(like dal ke pakore or medu vada), used in filling for Kachoris(Dal Ki Kachori, Khasta Kachoris), Papads/Poppadoms etc.. In Northern states, it is also prepared in curry style or dry form and paired with rice or chapatis.
In western Uttar Pradesh(U.P) especially in the interiors, it is served on special occasions with rice, a side veggie, boondi raita and boora(a form of sugar). Imarti, an Indian Mitahi/sweet just like Jalebi is also prepared with Urad dal.
Other recipes with Urad Dal.. Bedmi Poori another popular fried puffed flat bread, Dahi Vade(lentil dumplings served in sweet yogurt with chutneys).
What goes best with Sookhi Urad dal
This dal best pairs up with Missi Roti/Besani Roti, Masala Parantha( Tikadia) or Tandoori Roti. Fresh Dal tempered with onions and ghee also makes a wonderful combination with Naan(try with my Whole Wheat Tawa Naan). If I make these for weekdays for lunchbox, then I pack it with whole wheat chapatis.
Serve it for dinner or at your get-togethers, as a side with any curry like Matar Mushroom, Matar Paneer , Rasewale Aloo, Papad Boondi Ki Subzi and raita(like Mix Veg. Raita, Spinach and Pomegranate Raita or Boondi Raita) for a wholesome meal experience.
How to prepare Sookhi Urad Dal
A no fuss recipe that take just a few minutes to prepare, but it is a bit tricky too. One has to be very careful, if it overcooks , lentils sticks together and dish looses it's texture. Cook Dal al-dente.
The real flavour of this dal comes with whole spices likes bayleaf, cloves, black cardamom.So don't skip these.
To cook perfect Urad Dal, with separate lentil grains, soak dal for 15-20 minutes.
Cook in Pressure cooker, to one whistle with turmeric and salt. Release the pressure immediately.You can also cook in an open pan, it will take 10-15 minutes.
For one cup of Dal add 1 cup water. Strain water from cooked dal.
You can use onion and garlic in tempering or skip it. It tastes good both ways.
To cook with whole spices,finely chopped onion and ginger and garlic, saute, onions and garlic in oil, add spices like red chili powder, garam masala and mix dal very lightly.
For no onion -no garlic version, skip onion and garlic and temper only with spices and ginger.
Sookhi Urad Dal
Equipment
- Pressure cooker
- Pan
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Dhuli Urad Dal/Skinned Split Bengal Gram
- 1 Onion(small Chopped) optional
- 1-2 Garlic Cloves
- Fresh Ginger(small piece)
- 1-1 tsp Garam Masala Powder
- 1/2 tsp Red Chilli Powder or as per taste
- 1/4 tsp Amchur/Dry Mango Powder optional
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- Salt to taste
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 3-4 Cloves
- 1 Dry Whole Red Chilli
Instructions
- Wash dal and soak in water fro 15-20 minutes.
- Drain Water,add dal in a pressure cooker. Add around 1 Cup water.
- Let it boil, once the froth accumulates at top, discard it, add turmeric powder and salt as per taste.
- Close the lid and cook Dal for 1 whistle. Release pressure manually.
- If there is water, strain it and keep dal aside.
- In a pan or kadhai. add oil, once it is warm add whole spices, cumin seeds.
- Once seeds splutter, add onions and garlic and saute for 2-3 minutes, till onions are light brown in color.
- Add garam masala powder, red chilli powder(if using), mix then add dal.
- Mix it very lightly. Take care, don't mash dal.
- Serve hot with chapatis or parantha.
- Adding a spoonful of ghee, enhance the taste of dal. You can make tempering of desi ghee, cumin seeds and red chilli powder and add to dal before serving.
Notes
- Add a tsp of dried fenugreek leaves while sauteing onions. It enhances taste.
- For no onion-no garlic version skip both from the recipe.
- To cook dal al dente in open pot , add 1.5 cups of water instead of 1 Cup.
- Instead of Split Bengal Gram Lentils you can use Split Skinned Moong Lentils(Dhuli/Yellow Moong Dal)
Do make this simple and easy lentil recipe, do give me your feedback whenever you make it.
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sasmita
This is an interesting urad dal recipe Swaty. I never prepare sookhi dal with moong dal. Just in love with your recipe and would love to try........
Seema Doraiswamy Sriram
I make dal with the chilkewalaurad, never tried this one. I will surely try this soon
sizzlingtastebuds
I have tasted this long ago during my stint at Chandigarh and mohali .. I bet they taste yum with Hot rotis and ghee!! thanks for linking it to MLLA 132, Swaty 🙂
Priya Srinivasan
Though i have heard the name of the dish, i have never tried it myself. subzi looks very tempting, i like such simple curries, i will definitely give this a try!!!
Jagruti's Cooking Odyssey
What a tasty way of getting in your protein. The flavours sound finger-licking!
Malini
This recipe is very new to me. Healthy side dish for roti and paratha. I never thought of using urad dal in this way. Great recipe.
Padma Veeranki
Such a simple yet delicious and filling one....It's so nutritious and full of flavour. Long time since I made it...got to make it soon!! Thanks for sharing!!
Lata Lala
Sookhi urad dal recipe tastes great when paired with some gravy wali sabzi. This recipe of yours is nutritious and protien rich.
Well I haven't made this since a long time. After seeing your post gonna make it soon.
jhumuhere
It's a part of daily comfort meal but you have mentioned each and every step beautifully...we make a runny kind of urad Dal, good to know about this ...
Sandhya
I like the flavor of urad dal and will definitely make this protein rich, yummy sookhi dal! Thanks for the detailed step by step photos.
Sandhya Ramakrishnan
I have heard a lot about this recipe, but never made it. I really need to give this a try. So full of flavor and also good source of protein.
greenbowl2soulgmailcom
Such a simple yet delicious recipe. I love urad dal, it's so comforting.
Rafeeda - The Big Sweet Tooth
The first time I had urad dal in a curry was when our office boy ordered it for me from the nearby Pakistani restaurant. Till then for me this ingredient was only meant for idli-dosa batters and for tempering... hehe... Love how this dish looks like, quite simple in flavors...
Geetha
Apart from south Indian staple idli, dosa, vada I didn't even knew anything can be prepared with this lentil. Sookhi dal sounds so unique yet nutritious dish. Thanks for sharing as I got to learn a new dish.
Pavani
That is such an interesting and delicious preparation with urad dal. I usually make dry moong dal curry with spinach or cabbage, but never tried with urad dal. Pinned to try this recipe soon.
mayurisjikoni
Swati such an interesting urad dal preparation. I either use it for pakodas, dahi vadas, idli dosa batter or to make a curry. We usually prepare sookhi dal with moong dal. Like your recipe and would love to try it out some day.
sangeeta Sethi
Fabulous delicious preparation
Swati
Thanks Sangeetji!! Glad you liked the recipe!!
Swati
thank you Sangeetaji!
Megala
Simple yet delicious & nutritious recipe! I think we take this dal as it is like a salad.
Swati
Thanks Megala!! interesting to know that you use it in salads too!!