Urad Dal Recipes: Among the different lentils commonly used in Indian cuisine is urad dal (black gram split/ whole). Like other lentils, this dal is a potent source of protein, fibre and nutrients. It has a wide range of health benefits that everyone can take advantage of. But another key reason to include urad dal in your pantry is its versatility. You can use urad dal to make a variety of mouth-watering snacks, traditional dishes and even a few lesser-known sweet treats. Looking for simple and easy urad dal recipes? Then we've got you covered! Below, we have listed some of our top urad dal recipes that you can get started with.
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Here Are 10 Delicious And Easy Urad Dal Recipes You Need To Try:
1. Dal Makhani
Urad Dal Recipes: Whole (Sabut) urad dal, pictured above, is used to make dal makhani. Photo Credit: iStock
One of the most popular North Indian dishes, the delectable dal makhani is actually made using whole (sabut) urad dal. Also known as kali dal, this traditional preparation promises warmth, satisfaction and delight. It has a distinctive richness due to the addition of butter (makhan) and/or cream (malai). Dal makhani can be relished with rotis, parathas or rice. Read the full recipe here.
2. Safed Dal
Urad Dal Recipes: Safed dal is a dry preparation of urad dal. Photo Credit: iStock
This dish is also inspired by North Indian flavours but uses the skinless/ split version of urad dal (whitish in colour). This home-style urad dal has a spiced tomato base and is a relatively dry preparation of this lentil. It is best savoured with piping hot rotis topped with ghee. Here's the complete recipe.
3. Bengali-Style Urad Dal
If you want to cook urad dal the Bengali way, you again need the split version of urad dal. Also called Biuli'r Dal, this dish is a flavourful treat you will love. There's also a yummy non-veg version of this dal. Find the detailed recipes here.
4. Urad dal vada
Another Bengali recipe you must check out is urad dal vada. Known as Biuli Dal Er Boda, this crisp and indulgent snack can become a part of your evening tea time, a special breakfast or even a house party. Onions and chillies are combined with the dal to make these vadas. Read the complete recipe here.
5. Medu Vada
Urad Dal recipes: Medu vada is among the most popular South Indian delicacies and is made using urad dal.
Coming to South India, one of the most famous snacks made using urad dal is medu vada. Often shaped like a doughnut (with a hole in the middle), these deep-fried fritters are typically enjoyed with coconut chutney and/or sambar. They are slightly spicy, with small pieces of chilli and ginger lending the heat. Here's the detailed recipe.
Urad Dal is also used as part of several other South Indian recipes, most notably to make the batter for idlis, dosas and uttapams. It is also used to make fried treats like murukku. But in most cases, rice or other lentils are also a key ingredient of the base, along with urad dal.
6. Dahi Vada
Urad Dal recipes: The base of the vadas used for Dahi vada is an urad dal paste. Photo Credit: iStock
Another tasty way to enjoy urad dal vadas is by making dahi vadas. In this dish, the vadas are submerged in dahi, which has been sweetened and flavoured with a range of masalas. Dahi vada is often served cold and is a refreshing treat you cannot afford to miss. Here's a recipe for your reference. Dahi Bhalla is another dish made in a similar manner and may have slight differences according to region.
Also Read: Vada Turning Too Hard? 5 Quick Tips To Make Street-Style Dahi Bhalla
7. Urad Dal Without Oil
On a strict diet that requires you to reduce oil intake? Then this wholesome urad dal recipe will come to your rescue. This dish requires just a handful of everyday ingredients. Click here for the full recipe.
8. Dhuli Urad Dal
This is another urad dal recipe perfect for a simple lunch or dinner. In this dish, the dal is flavoured with ginger, garlic, chillies, coriander and common Indian spices. Find the detailed recipe here.
9. Urad Dal Kadhi
Urad Dal recipes: Urad dal kadhi is a wholesome choice. Photo Credit: iStock
You may not have heard of this version of besan kadhi, but we assure you, it is quite delicious! In this kadhi, instead of pakoras or bhajiya, fried fritters made of urad dal are added to the besan-buttermilk base. Read the complete recipe here.
10. Gujarati Urad Dal Pak
We have spoken about some of the ways urad dal is cooked in northern, southern and eastern parts of India. From the west, one of the unique urad dal recipes you must try is urad dal pak or Adadiya Pak. This Gujarati mithai has an urad dal base that is enriched with dry fruits and other festive ingredients. Watch the recipe video here.
What is your favourite way of cooking urad dal? Do you have any special urad dal recipes you want to share with us? We can't wait to hear from you!
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