Shahi Dal ( Zero Oil )
by Tarla Dalal

The richness of any “shahi” dish usually comes from the abundance of cream. Here, I have substituted cream with low-fat milk mixed with cornflour, which tastes equally creamy and delicious. Urad dal gives a healthy fillip to this dish, as it is high in folic acid and zinc. Folic acid aids in brain development as well as boosting haemoglobin levels whereas zinc is required for life long mental strength.

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Shahi Dal ( Zero Oil ) recipe - How to make Shahi Dal ( Zero Oil )

1 cup urad dal (split black lentils)
2 tsp finely chopped ginger (adrak)
2 tsp finely chopped green chillies
salt to taste
1 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
1/2 cup finely chopped onions
1 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp cornflour dissolved in 1/2 cup low-fat milk (99.7% fat-free)

For The Garnish
2 tbsp finely chopped coriander (dhania)

Method

Clean, wash and soak the urad dal in water for 3 to 4 hours. Drain.
Combine together the urad dal, ginger, green chillies, salt and 2 cups of water in a pressure cooker, mix well and pressure cook for 2 whistles.
Allow the steam to escape before opening the lid. Remove the lid, whisk the dal well and keep aside.
Heat a deep non-stick pan on a medium flame and when hot, add the cumin seeds and dry roast for 30 seconds.
Lower the flame, add the onions and dry roast till the onions for 1 to 2 minutes. Sprinkle a little water if they start burning.
Add the cooked urad dal, garam masala and ¾ cup of water, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 2 to 3 minutes, while stirring occasionally.
Add the cornflour-milk mixture and a little salt, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 1 minute, while stirring continuously.
Serve hot garnished with coriander.