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Simple Healthy Urad Dal

A simple, healthy and easy-to-cook Indian urad dal recipe — nutritious, protein rich and beginner friendly.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 189
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 cup split white urad dal (dhuli urad)
  • 3 cups water for cooking dal
  • 1 tbsp oil (vegetable or olive)
  • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
  • 1 pinch asafoetida (hing) — optional but helps digestion
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder (haldi)
  • 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Equipment

  • Pressure cooker or pot

Method
 

  1. Rinse the urad dal under running water until water runs clear. Soak for 30 minutes (optional but helps reduce cooking time).
  2. Drain the dal and transfer to a pressure cooker. Add 3 cups water and the turmeric powder. Close the lid and cook for 2 to 3 whistles (about 15-20 minutes). If using a pot, cook until dal becomes soft and mushy (approx 25 minutes).
  3. In a separate small pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds. As they begin to splutter, add a pinch of asafoetida (if using).
  4. Pour the tempering (tadka) into the cooked dal. Add salt. Mix well and simmer dal on low flame for 5 more minutes so flavours combine.
  5. Turn off the flame. Garnish with fresh chopped coriander. Serve hot with steamed rice, roti or steamed vegetables.

Notes

You may add a chopped tomato or a pinch of red chilli powder for extra flavour. For better digestion, soaking the dal and adding a pinch of asafoetida helps.