Pakistani Urad Dal (Maash Ki Dal)
Maash ki Dal, or sukhi (dry) split urad dal, may not be mainstream, but it's beloved by all who've tried it. This recipe makes it in the traditional Pakistani and Punjabi way - dry, as in firm, but cooked through - and adorned with delicate slivers of ginger and warming green chili peppers.
- Prep time
- 15 min
- Cook time
- 30 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 1 cup urad (maash) dal* (split and husked black gram lentils)
- 1 medium onion (cut into quarters)
- 1 small to medium tomato (cut into quarters)
- 5-6 garlic cloves (peeled)
- 1/3 cup neutral oil such as grapeseed oil
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 ½ tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 - 1 ½ tsp Kashmiri red chili powder (for restaurant-like color)
- 1/4-1/2 tsp red chili pepper or cayenne (may omit for less spicy)
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
- 1 1/4 tsp kosher salt (or to taste)
- 1-2 green chili peppers (finely chopped or sliced (I prefer Indian finger chili - more flavor, less heat))
- 1 tbsp julienned ginger
- 1-2 tbsp cilantro leaves (finely chopped)
- 1/2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Instant Pot
- 2
Wash and soak dal in warm water for 30 minutes. Then strain and set aside.
- 3
Combine the onion, tomato, and garlic in a food processor and pulse to chop until a coarse mixture forms.
- 4
Turn on the Instant Pot to Sauté - More/High. Once hot, add oil and the chopped onion mixture. Sauté for 10-12 minutes, until the mixture no longer has moisture and the oil starts to leave the sides.
- 5
Add the whole cloves, ground spices, and salt and stir for another minute.
- 6
Cancel Sauté. Add the lentils and 1 cup of water and mix, submerging the lentils within the water as much as possible. Cover with the lid and set the top to Sealing. Pressure Cook on High for 4 minutes.
- 7
Allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure. Cancel to turn the Instant Pot off and select Sauté - More/High. Taste and adjust salt.
- 8
Add the green chili pepper and ginger and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until all the water has completely evaporated and the oil starts to leave the sides. Turn off the Instant Pot. Stir in cilantro and lemon or lime juice, if using. This dal is best served with roti, paratha, naan, or other bread. I love it with some achaar on the side.
- 9
Stovetop
- 10
Wash and soak dal in warm water for 30 minutes to an hour. Then strain and set aside.
- 11
Combine the onion, tomato, and garlic in a food processor and pulse to chop until a coarse mixture forms.
- 12
Heat a medium-large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add oil and the onion mixture and sauté for 10-12 minutes, until the mixture no longer has moisture and the oil starts to leave the sides. Add a splash of water and cook for another minute, until the tomatoes have broken down well.
- 13
Add the whole cloves, ground spices, and salt. Stir for a minute, allowing them to bloom. If the spices start to stick, deglaze the pan with 2 tbsp water. Add 1 3/4 cups boiling water and the strained lentils. Cover the pot with the lid and increase the heat to bring to the dal to a boil.
- 14
Once the water comes to a boil, reduce the heat to a medium-low. Cover and let the dal simmer for 23-25 minutes, stirring midway, until the lentils are cooked al dente. The water will have mostly evaporated. Uncover, and taste and adjust salt. Only move to the next step once the lentils are fully cooked (they should break easily when pressed between your fingers). If not, add 1/3 cup boiling water and continue to simmer on medium-low heat for another 5-7 minutes, until it softens. You don't want to add any excess water unless it's sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- 15
Increase the heat to high, add the green chili pepper and ginger and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until all the water has evaporated and the oil starts to leave the sides. Turn off the heat and stir in cilantro and lemon or lime juice, if using. This dal is best served with roti, paratha, naan, or other bread. I love it with some achaar on the side.