Dal Shahi Urad

 Ever read the story, 'Dal Delight' by Subhadra Sengupta? If not, then do consider reading it. I remember reading it in my 7th grade and getting mesmerized by the dish, "Dal Shahi Urad", a dish smooth and rich in flavour, the taste of which touched the hearts of millions in the town. I always wondered what Qadir used to put in his 'speacial recipe' which made it so prominent in the town but the recipe of which was only known to Qadir. I even remember trying to figure out the recipe by reading half of the ingredients (as the recipe was not mentioned) and the 'etc.' given at the end breaking my heart and leaving the recipe an unsolved mystery. 

But now I've finally discovered the recipe leaving it no longer a mystery and since Qadir not being a real life character, we cannot visit his stall but we can definitely try making it at home at our comfort.

So, finally presenting you the recipe of Dal Shahi Urad :

INGREDIENTS:

1) 1/2 cup urad dal, washed and soaked in water overnight.

2) 1 medium size onion and tomato finely chopped.

3) 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste. 

4) 1 teaspoon turmeric powder.

5) 2 cardamom pods (crushed).

6) 1 table spoon cumin seeds.

7) 2 tablespoons ghee.

8) 1/2 cup milk.

9) 1/2 teaspoon chilli powder.

10) 1/2 teaspoon garam masala.

11) few blanched almonds, cut in half.

12) Salt to taste.

INSTRUCTIONS: 

* Pressure cook soaked dal along with turmeric powder, cardamom pods, milk, ghee, salt and half cup water until sal is just cooked and not mushy.

* Once pressure is released, whisk dal.

* Heat ghee and crackle cumin seeds. Fry onion, ginger and garlic paste till light brown.

* Add the chopped tomatoes, chilli powder and garam masala. Mix till tomatoes are soft.

Add dal once oil starts separating, stir.

* Adjust taste with salt.

* Finally Garnish with coriander leaves.

* Serve your dal hot with rice or roti.

Enjoy 😊