Maa Ki Dal | Kali Dal | Black Gram Dal
Maa ki Dal or Kali Dal recipe (black gram or kali urad dal): This delicious and creamy Punjabi lentil dish is made with whole black gram (sabut urad dal), onions, tomatoes, and aromatic Indian spices.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole black dal soaked for minimum of 8 hours or overnight
- 2 medium size tomato chopped
- 1 medium size onion chopped
- 2 green chili chopped; adjust to taste
- 1 inch ginger grated
- 6 to 8 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon ghee or oil; For vegan use oil
- salt to taste
- 3 cups water or as needed
- 1 tablespoon butter optional
- Handful of fresh cilantro chopped
- Lemon juice to taste
Whole Spices:
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 bay leaf
- pinch of hing asafetida
Dry Spices:
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder ; adjust to taste
- 2 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
Instructions
Stovetop Pressure Cooker Maa Ki Dal
- Wash the black gram thoroughly and soak them in water overnight.
- Note: You can skip Step 2 - Step 5, and use homemade Bhuna Masala to make this dal with just 4 simple ingredients. You'll need ¾ cup of homemade Bhuna Masala, soaked Urad dal, water, and salt to taste.
- In a pressure cooker, heat oil and add cumin seeds. Allow them to splutter.
- Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they become light golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic and chopped green chilies. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the raw smell disappears.
- Add chopped tomatoes, red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and the oil starts to separate from the masala.
- Add soaked dal with enough water and pressure cook until they are soft and well-cooked. It usually takes about 4-5 whistles. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
- Mash the dal slightly with the back of the ladle or potato masher. Add the butter to the cooked dal. Mix well and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Add cream (optional) and garam masala. Stir well and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Adjust salt and spices according to your taste.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional).
- Serve maa ki dal hot with rice, naan, or roti. Enjoy your delicious and creamy Punjabi maa ki dal!
Instant Pot Maa Ki Dal
- Wash the black gram thoroughly and soak them in water for a few hours or overnight.
- Note: You can skip Step 2 - Step 5, and use homemade Bhuna Masala to make this dal with just 4 simple ingredients. You'll need ¾ cup of homemade Bhuna Masala, soaked Urad dal, water, and salt to taste.
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the "Sauté" function. Heat oil and add cumin seeds. Allow them to splutter.
- Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they become light golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic and chopped green chilies. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the raw smell disappears.
- Add chopped tomatoes, red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and the oil starts to separate from the masala.
- Drain the soaked dal and add them to the Instant Pot. Mix well with the masala. Add enough water to cover the dal. Cancel the "Sauté" function. Close the Instant Pot lid and set the vent to the sealing position. Select the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" setting and cook on high pressure for about 20-25 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes.
- Open the Instant Pot, and mash the dal slightly with the back of the ladle or potato masher. Add the butter to the cooked dal. Mix well and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Add cream (optional) and garam masala. Stir well and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Adjust salt and spices according to your taste.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional).
- Serve the Instant Pot maa ki dal hot with rice, naan, or roti. Enjoy the rich and flavorful Punjabi dish!
Notes
Please refer to the post for the following:
- Tips For Delicious Maa Ki Dal
- Frequently Asked Questions
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Maa Ki Dal | Kali Dal | Black Gram Dal
Amount per Serving
Calories
223
% Daily Value*
Fat
5
g
8
%
Saturated Fat
2
g
13
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
1
g
Cholesterol
10
mg
3
%
Sodium
96
mg
4
%
Potassium
169
mg
5
%
Carbohydrates
33
g
11
%
Fiber
12
g
50
%
Sugar
3
g
3
%
Protein
13
g
26
%
Vitamin A
344
IU
7
%
Vitamin C
13
mg
16
%
Calcium
66
mg
7
%
Iron
5
mg
28
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Disclaimer
Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.
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