Zero Oil Gujarati Urad Dal with Spices
Split black lentil dal cooked oil-free with aromatic spices, tomatoes, and garlic. Pressure-cooked urad and chana dal are simmered with turmeric, coriander, cumin, and fresh coriander for a fragrant Gujarati-style preparation. Quick weeknight comfort bowl with warm spices.
Ingredients
- ½ cup urad dal, split black lentils
- 1 tbsp chana dal, split whole gram lentilstoor dal1:1legume
similar earthiness
- 2 clove garlic, chopped
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- 2 whole green chilli, chopped
- 1 tbsp red chilli powdercayenne1:1spice
adds heat
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- ¾ tbsp coriander powdercilantrosubstitute with fresh onlyherb
reduces warming spice
- ¼ tbsp cumin powder
- 2 tbsp coriander, chopped fresh
- salt(optional)
- 1 cup water, for boiling
- 1 cup water, for simmering
Instructions
- 1
Clean, wash, and soak urad dal and chana dal in water for 15 minutes. Drain well.
- 2
Combine drained urad dal with water in a pressure cooker and mix. Pressure cook on high flame for 2 whistles, then on low flame for 8 minutes.
- 3
Allow steam to escape completely before opening the lid.
- 4
Add tomatoes, garlic, green chilli, salt, turmeric, red chilli powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and water. Mix well.
- 5
Bring to boil and cook on low flame for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 6
In the last 2 minutes, add fresh coriander and mix.
- 7
Serve hot.
Tips
Soaking lentils reduces cooking time and improves digestibility.
Allow full pressure release before opening to avoid splattering.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking on the bottom.
Add fresh coriander at the end to preserve flavor and color.
Good to Know
Refrigerate in airtight container up to 4 days. Freeze up to 3 months.
Prepare through step 4, refrigerate overnight. Resume simmering the next day.
Serve hot with rice, roti, or flatbread.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip the soaking step to avoid hard, undercooked lentils.
Do not open the pressure cooker before steam fully escapes to avoid burns.
Do not add salt before cooking to prevent lentils from hardening.
Do not skip the slow simmer after pressure cooking to allow spices to infuse properly.
Substitutions
adds heat
similar earthiness