recipes with urad dal
Discover a bold and flavorful dish with this Spicy Urad Dal and Coconut Curry recipe! Packed with protein-rich urad dal, creamy coconut milk, and a medley of fragrant spices, this hearty curry is a delicious way to elevate your Indian cuisine repertoire. Try these recipes with urad dal, whether served with steamed rice or warm naan, it’s a wholesome, satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Spicy Urad Dal and Coconut Curry
Explore the perfect fusion of spice and creaminess with Spicy Urad Dal and Coconut Curry. This dish combines nutrient-rich urad dal with aromatic spices and coconut milk to create a hearty and flavorful curry. Ideal for pairing with rice or flatbread, it’s a unique recipe that adds variety to your vegetarian or plant-based meals.
Ingredients
- 200g white urad dal (split and skinned black lentils)
- 400ml coconut milk
- 200ml vegetable broth
- 30g coconut oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 150g)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 20g)
- 25g fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped (about 10g)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1/4 tsp asafoetida (hing)
- Salt to taste
- 20ml lime juice
- 30g fresh cilantro, chopped
- 50g unsweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- Rinse the urad dal thoroughly and soak in hot water for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add chopped onions and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chilies. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add turmeric, coriander, red chili powder, and asafoetida. Sauté for 1 minute.
- Add the soaked urad dal, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30-35 minutes, or until the dal is tender and creamy.
- Season with salt to taste. If the curry is too thick, add a little more broth to reach desired consistency.
- Stir in lime juice and half of the shredded coconut. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and the remaining shredded coconut before serving.
- Serve this creamy and spicy coconut urad dal curry with steamed basmati rice, coconut rice, or naan bread. For a complete meal, pair it with a side of roasted vegetables like cauliflower or butternut squash. You can also serve it with a refreshing cucumber raita or a tangy mango chutney to balance the flavors. For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or with a side of sautéed spinach.
Notes
1. Tomato and Spinach Urad Dal
- Additions: Incorporate 200g of fresh spinach and 150g of diced tomatoes.
- Instructions: After sautéing the onions, garlic, and ginger, add the diced tomatoes and cook until soft. Stir in the spinach just before serving, allowing it to wilt.
2. Mushroom and Pea Urad Dal
- Additions: Include 150g of sliced mushrooms and 100g of green peas.
- Instructions: Sauté the mushrooms along with the onions until they release their moisture. Add the peas during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a pop of color and sweetness.
3. Lemon and Herb Urad Dal
- Additions: Use lemon zest along with lime juice and add 20g of fresh dill or parsley.
- Instructions: Stir in lemon zest just before serving for a bright flavor, and garnish with fresh herbs for added freshness.
4. Smoky Urad Dal
- Additions: Incorporate smoked paprika (1 tsp) and a pinch of liquid smoke.
- Instructions: Add smoked paprika while sautéing spices to infuse a smoky flavor throughout the dish.
5. Coconut Curry with Sweet Potatoes
- Additions: Add 200g of diced sweet potatoes.
- Instructions: Add the sweet potatoes to the pot along with the coconut milk and vegetable broth, allowing them to cook until tender.
6. Spicy Peanut Urad Dal
- Additions: Stir in 50g of creamy peanut butter or crushed peanuts.
- Instructions: Mix in peanut butter after adding coconut milk for a rich, nutty flavor that complements the spices.
7. Curried Urad Dal with Kasoori Methi
- Additions: Include 1 tablespoon of dried fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi).
- Instructions: Crush kasoori methi between your palms and add it towards the end of cooking for a unique aroma and flavor.
8. Coconut Curry with Carrots and Bell Peppers
- Additions: Add 150g of diced carrots and 150g of bell peppers (any color).
- Instructions: Sauté the carrots with onions, then add bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking for a colorful dish.
9. Coconut Cream Topping
- Additions: Use coconut cream instead of coconut milk for a richer texture.
- Instructions: After cooking, swirl in some coconut cream just before serving for added creaminess.
10. Spicy Tamarind Urad Dal
- Additions: Add 15ml of tamarind paste for tanginess.
- Instructions: Stir in tamarind paste along with lime juice to give the curry an extra layer of flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
These variations can be served with:- Steamed basmati rice or coconut rice.
- Naan or roti for a hearty meal.
- A side salad or raita to balance the flavors, such as cucumber raita or a simple tomato salad.
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Total Fat | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 22g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 380mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Dietary Fiber | 9g |
| Sugars | 3g |
| Protein | 16g |
| Vitamin A | 2% DV |
| Vitamin C | 15% DV |
| Calcium | 6% DV |
| Iron | 20% DV |
| Potassium | 520mg |
| Vitamin D | 0% DV |
| Vitamin B6 | 10% DV |
| Magnesium | 15% DV |