Bhatt Ki Dal: Simple And Nutritious Gem From Uttarakhand
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Uttarakhand is known as the ‘Land of God'. But did you know that Uttarakhand is divided into Kumaon and Garhwal sectors? While the areas like Haridwar, Gangotri, Rishikesh, Kedarnath, and Badrinath fall under Garhwal region, Kumaon region consists of places like Almora, Nainital, Haldwani, Ranikhet etc. Most importantly, both cuisines are different from each other. The people in Uttarakhand, especially those who live in the lower Himalayan range, prefer to eat easy and simple dishes. This piece is dedicated to one such special and nutritious delight. 

We are talking about the humble and healthy Bhatt Ki Dal. Heard of it before? Bhatt Ki Dal is amongst the most popular and favourite dishes in the Kumaoni cuisine. The food here is generally simple and healthy and the reason behind it, is to have a meal that can suit the difficult environment. A great example of how simple and healthy food the people here love is, bhatt ki dal. Made up of black beans, this delicious dal is cooked in a spicy wheat flour-based gravy. Serve it with chapati or rice alongside a scrumptious aloo ki sabji. 

Video credits: Honest Kitchen/YouTube

Looking for the recipe? Here you go! 

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup black turtle beans (preferably soaked overnight) 
  • 1 chopped onion 
  • 4 chopped garlic  
  • 1 tsp jeera 
  • 1/4 cup whole wheat flour 
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder 
  • 2 tsp red chili powder 
  • 2 tsp coriander powder 
  • 2 tsp garam masala 
  • Salt to taste 
  • 1 tbsp ghee 
  • Oil 

Method 

  • First, soak the black beans in water overnight or for at least 7 to 8 hours. 
  • Heat a pan and add ghee. When the ghee melts, add in the wheat flour and keep roasting the flour. Roast the flour until it changes its colour.  
  • When done, turn off the flame and put it aside.  
  • Now, heat a pressure cooker and heat oil. Add cumin seeds and let it splutter. 
  • Add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent. When the onions turn light brown, add the soaked black beans with water. 
  • Add the spices including turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, coriander powder and salt to taste. Mix it well. 
  • Add some water and make sure that the beans are immersed well in water. Pressure the dal 5 to 8 whistles for at least 28 to 30 minutes. When done, turn off the heat and let the pressure release. 
  • Thereafter, add in the wheat flour and mix until everything is combined. Add a little water if required and thicken the dal. 
  • Pour the dal into a serving bowl and serve fresh!