A 30-Minute Dal That Tastes Like It Simmered for Hours
Step into the world of comforting, elegant, and surprisingly simple Indian cuisine with this Urad Dal with Poppy Seeds and Cilantro. If you’re unfamiliar with urad dal, think of it as the key to the creamiest, most luxurious lentils you’ve ever had. These small, ivory-colored split lentils cook down into a wonderfully thick and satisfying sauce.
The real magic, however, happens in the final step: the tarka. We sizzle fresh ginger, nutty poppy seeds, and bright cilantro in hot butter or oil and pour it over the cooked dal. This infusion of flavor transforms the dish from simple to spectacular. It’s a fast, largely unattended recipe that delivers a beautiful, speckled dal perfect for spooning over basmati rice or pairing with grilled vegetables. Plus, it’s easily made vegan!
Ingredients
• 1 1/2 cups / 300g dried urad dal, washed and picked over
• 2-3 dried Thai chiles, optional
• 4 tbsp / 57g unsalted butter or 1/4 cup / 60ml peanut oil
• 2 tbsp / 18g fresh ginger, peeled and minced
• 2 tbsp / 18g white poppy seeds
• 1 cup / 30g fresh cilantro, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Place the washed urad dal and optional dried chiles in a medium pot. Add enough water to cover by about 1/2 inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a steady simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the beans are soft, stirring occasionally. Add more water as needed to prevent sticking and to achieve your desired consistency.
2. While the dal is cooking, prepare the tarka. Heat the butter or oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted or the oil is hot, add the minced ginger and cook, stirring constantly, for about 3 minutes until soft and golden.
3. Sprinkle the ginger generously with salt and pepper. Add the poppy seeds and stir continuously for about 1 minute until they are fragrant and lightly toasted—be careful not to burn them.
4. Stir the minced cilantro into the skillet and cook just until it wilts and turns a vibrant green, about 30 seconds. Turn off the heat.
5. When the dal is tender, pour the entire hot tarka mixture into the pot. Stir well to combine, taste, and adjust the seasoning if necessary before serving immediately.
Nutritional Information
• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Fiber: 12g
• Disclaimer: is an estimate and may vary depending on the exact and quantities used.
Pro Tips
• for Perfect Urad Dal
• For an extra creamy texture, use an immersion blender to briefly pulse the dal a few times before adding the tarka.
• Don’t have poppy seeds? Toasted white sesame seeds or sunflower seeds make a delicious substitute.
• Easily make this dish vegan by using a neutral-flavored oil like peanut, avocado, or sunflower oil instead of butter.
• Control the final consistency by adjusting the water; use less for a thick, stew-like dal or more for a pourable sauce perfect over rice.
FAQ
Q: Is this urad dal recipe a good source of vegetarian protein
A: Absolutely! Urad dal is a protein-rich lentil. A single serving of this recipe packs approximately 18 grams of plant-based protein, making it a wonderfully filling and nutritious option for a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Q: How can I make this urad dal recipe vegan
A: This recipe is very easy to make vegan. Simply replace the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter with 1/4 cup of a neutral-flavored oil like peanut, avocado, or sunflower oil when preparing the tarka. All other ingredients are naturally plant-based.
Q: What can I use as a substitute for poppy seeds
A: If you don’t have white poppy seeds, you can substitute them with an equal amount of toasted white sesame seeds for a similar nutty flavor and texture. Toasted sunflower seeds also work well as a delicious alternative.
Q: How should I store and reheat leftover dal
A: Store leftover dal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The dal will thicken as it cools. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water as needed to thin it to your preferred consistency.
