Urad Dal Tadka

So far I remember I never liked urad dal, it was not at all tasty for me. One of my maternal aunt is muslim and she is an amazing cook. Once I got a chance to stay at her place after marriage. She fed me lots of delicious dishes and I was in heaven for those 3-4 days. I had this dal in my lunch time and asked "mamiji kaunsi dal hai, very tasty" (aunty which dal it is). And to my surprise she said its URAD DAL... I was like whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat, really??

So friends I am here to show you how she cooked, which I learnt from her.

spicy urad dal

Ingredients: Sufficient for four people
1/2 Cup white lentil split or whole
1/2 Cup yellow lentil

For Tempering
1 medium size onion chopped finely
2 dry red chillies
2 star anise
6-8 cloves
8 pepper corns
1 black cardamom
1 Tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp red chili powder
a pinch asafoetida
Salt as per taste
Oil for cooking
Green coriander chopped finely

spicy urad dal

Method:  Soak urad dal/lentil and yellow dal/lentil for about 30 mins. Boil this dal/lentil with salt and enough water, about 2.5 cups. Only one whistle is enough to cook this dal/lentil. Let it take time to open the lid do not force and open.

Prepare for tadka/tempering in a pan. Heat 2 tblsp oil in a pan, add all whole spices like dry red chillies, star anise, cloves, pepper corns, cardamom and cumin seeds. Once all starts crackling add chopped onion. Fry this untill onion changes its color to golden. Add asafoetida, turmeric powder and chilli powder and mix well. To this add the boiled dal and mix well. Cook it for another 2-3 mins and switch off the flame.  Garnish it with green chopped coriander and serve with rice/chapati/paratha. It taste awesome, do try it.