Introduction

 

Whenever I think about comfort food, the image of a steaming bowl of dal with soft phulkas comes to mind. There's something incredibly nostalgic about this simple yet flavorful dish. I remember the first time I made Urad Chana Dal Tadka at home; it wasn't just a meal, it was a celebration of memories and flavors that took me back to my childhood.

 

One of my fondest memories is coming home to the aroma of my mother’s dal simmering on the stove. This Urad Chana Dal Tadka isn't just any dal; it’s a hearty, comforting bowl that stands out because of its robust flavors. The combination of urad and chana dal, tempered with aromatic spices, makes it a unique and deeply satisfying dish that I want to share with you today. Let’s dive into this journey of taste and tradition!

 

---

 

 

Recipe of Urad Chana Dal Tadka

 

Portion Servings: 6-7 pax

Preparation Time: 30 mins

Cooking Time: 45 mins

 

 

Ingredients

 

For the Dal:

• Urad Dal (Split with skin) - ½ cup
• Chana Dal - ½ cup
• Salt - ½ tsp
• Turmeric Powder - ½ tsp
• Green Chilli (Split) - 1 pc
• Ginger (Juliennes) - 1 tbsp
• Water - as required
• Hing (Asafoetida) - ¼ tsp

For the Tadka:

• Oil - 1 tbsp
• Jeera (Cumin Seeds) - 1 tsp
• Dry Red Chilli - 1 pc
• Crushed Coriander Seeds - 1 tsp
• Hing (Asafoetida) - ½ tsp
• Onion (Chopped) - 2 pcs
• Garlic (Chopped) - 1 tbsp
• Ginger (Chopped) - 1 tbsp
• Tomatoes (Chopped) - 1½ pcs
• Salt - 1 tsp
• Turmeric Powder - ¼ tsp
• Red Chilli Powder - 1 tsp
• Coriander Powder - 1 tsp
• Sabji Masala - 1 tsp
• Boiled Dal
• Water - as required
• Amchur Powder - 1 tsp
• Coriander (Chopped) - 1 tbsp
• Kasoori Methi - 1 tbsp
• Lemon Juice - 1 tsp
• Garam Masala - a pinch
• Butter - 1 tbsp

To Serve:

• Hot Phulkas

 

 

Instructions

 

Step 1: Prepare the Dal

1. Wash the Dal: Rinse ½ cup of urad dal (split with skin) and ½ cup of chana dal under running water until the water runs clear.
2. Cook the Dal: In a pressure cooker, add the washed dals, ½ tsp of salt, ½ tsp of turmeric powder, 1 split green chilli, 1 tbsp of ginger juliennes, and ¼ tsp of hing. Add enough water to cover the dal by about an inch.
3. Pressure Cook: Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook on high heat until you hear 3-4 whistles. Reduce the heat and cook for another 10-15 minutes until the dals are soft and fully cooked. Let the pressure release naturally.

 

Step 2: Prepare the Tadka

1. Heat Oil: In a large pan, heat 1 tbsp of oil over medium heat.
2. Add Spices: Add 1 tsp of jeera, 1 dry red chilli, 1 tsp of crushed coriander seeds, and ½ tsp of hing to the hot oil. Sauté until the spices release their aroma.
3. Add Onions: Add 2 chopped onions to the pan. Sauté until they become translucent.
4. Add Garlic and Ginger: Add 1 tbsp of chopped garlic and 1 tbsp of chopped ginger. Sauté for a couple of minutes until fragrant.

 

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Spices

1. Add Tomatoes: Stir in 1½ chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and start to break down.
2. Add Spices: Add 1 tsp of salt, ¼ tsp of turmeric powder, 1 tsp of red chilli powder, 1 tsp of coriander powder, and 1 tsp of sabji masala. Mix well and cook until the tomatoes are fully integrated into the masala.

 

Step 4: Combine Dal and Tadka

1. Add the Cooked Dal: Pour the boiled dal into the pan with the masala. Mix well to combine.
2. Adjust Consistency: Add water as needed to achieve your desired consistency. Let the mixture come to a gentle boil.

 

Step 5: Final Seasoning

1. Add Flavors: Stir in 1 tsp of amchur powder, 1 tbsp of chopped coriander, 1 tbsp of kasoori methi, and 1 tsp of lemon juice.
2. Add Garam Masala: Sprinkle a pinch of garam masala over the dal.
3. Finish with Butter: Add 1 tbsp of butter and mix well. Let it simmer for a few more minutes to meld all the flavors together.

 

Step 6: Serve

1. Serve Hot: Serve the Urad Chana Dal Tadka hot with freshly made phulkas.
2. Enjoy: Enjoy the rich, flavorful dal with a generous dollop of butter on top for added richness.

 

---

 

 

About the Urad Chana Dal Tadka Recipe

 

The Urad Chana Dal Tadka Recipe is a comforting blend of urad dal (black gram split lentils) and chana dal (split chickpeas), cooked to perfection and enhanced with a spicy, flavorful tempering. This dish is characterized by its rich, creamy texture and the robust flavors that come from the combination of dals and spices. Unlike regular dal, this recipe features a thicker consistency, making it perfect for dipping fresh phulkas or pairing with rice.

 

The secret to its unique flavor lies in the tempering, where mustard oil, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and other spices are sautéed until they release their aromatic oils. The final touch of kasoori methi, lemon juice, and a dollop of butter or ghee elevates the dal to a new level of deliciousness. This dish not only offers a comforting taste but also a wholesome experience, perfect for any meal.

 

 

Cooking Tips

 

1. Soak the Dals: Soaking urad and chana dal for at least 30 minutes before cooking helps to soften them and reduce cooking time.
2. Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices will give a more vibrant flavor compared to pre-ground ones.
3. Consistency: Adjust the water according to your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker dal, use less water.
4. Pressure Cooking: Ensure that the pressure cooker is well sealed to cook the dal thoroughly and evenly.
5. Seasoning: Taste and adjust the salt and spices towards the end of cooking to balance the flavors.

 

 

Pairing Guide

 

• Phulkas: Soft, fluffy phulkas are a classic pairing with this dal, perfect for soaking up the rich flavors.
• Steamed Rice: The simplicity of steamed rice complements the hearty flavors of the Urad Chana Dal Tadka.
• Pickles: A side of spicy Indian pickles adds an extra burst of flavor and tanginess.
• Yogurt: A bowl of fresh yogurt helps to balance the spices and adds a cooling effect.
• Salad: A fresh salad of cucumber, tomatoes, and onions adds a crunchy texture and refreshing taste.

 

---

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Urad Chana Dal Tadka Recipe

 

1. What makes Urad Chana Dal Tadka different from regular dal?

   • Urad Chana Dal Tadka uses a combination of urad dal with skin and chana dal, giving it a thicker texture and richer flavor compared to regular dal, which often uses a single type of lentil.

2. Can I use split urad dal without skin instead of urad dal with skin?

   • While you can use split urad dal without skin, using urad dal with skin provides a deeper flavor and a unique texture to the dish.

3. How do I adjust the spice level in the dal?

   • You can adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the amount of green chilies and red chili powder in the recipe.

4. Can I make this dal in advance?

   • Yes, Urad Chana Dal Tadka can be made in advance. It stores well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat it with a splash of water to bring it back to the desired consistency.

5. What can I use instead of mustard oil for tempering?

   • If you don't have mustard oil, you can use ghee or any neutral cooking oil. However, mustard oil adds a distinct flavor to the tempering.

6. How do I make the dal thicker if it’s too watery?

   • To thicken the dal, you can let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes. You can also mash some of the lentils to achieve a thicker consistency.

7. Is Urad Chana Dal Tadka suitable for vegetarians?

   • Yes, this recipe is vegetarian and can also be made vegan by omitting the butter or ghee.

8. Can I use a slow cooker instead of a pressure cooker?

   • Yes, you can use a slow cooker. Cook the dals on a low setting for 6-8 hours or until they are tender.

9. What side dishes go well with Urad Chana Dal Tadka?

   • This dal pairs well with phulkas, rice, pickles, yogurt, and a fresh salad.

10. How do I store leftover dal?

    • Store leftover dal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a little water on the stove or in a microwave before serving.

 

By following these tips and guides, you can create a delicious and comforting Urad Chana Dal Tadka that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy cooking!

 

---