Dhaba style smoked dal Recipe

Cooking Directions

• STEP 1.Wash and soak the lentils for 30 minutes.
• STEP 2.Pressure cook the lentils with water, turmeric powder, and salt until soft and mushy.
• STEP 3.In a separate pan, heat ghee and add cumin seeds, garlic, and ginger. Saute until fragrant.
• STEP 4.Add chopped onions and cook until golden brown.
• STEP 5.Add chopped tomatoes, green chilies, and spices like red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and oil separates.
• STEP 6.Add the cooked lentils to the pan and mix well. Simmer for a few minutes.
• STEP 7.For the smoky flavor, heat a small piece of charcoal until red hot. Place it in a small bowl in the center of the dal. Drizzle some ghee over the charcoal and cover the pan immediately. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to absorb the smoky flavor.
• STEP 8.Remove the charcoal and discard. Garnish the dal with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or roti.

Cooking Tips

• Soaking the lentils helps in reducing the cooking time.
• You can adjust the spice level according to your preference.
• For a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the cooked lentils before adding them to the pan.
• Make sure to cover the pan immediately after adding the charcoal to trap the smoky flavor.

Storage and Serving

• Leftover dal can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat the dal on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
• Serve the smoked dal hot with steamed rice or roti. It pairs well with pickles or raita.