Dhaba Ki Dal: Tasty Vegan Recipe

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Dhabas are favourite food joints of North India. These are the tiny roadside shacks that dot the highways. They mostly serve the tired travellers who pull over for a hot and hearty meal before heading towards their destination. Eating in a dhaba, sitting on a charpoy, under the open sky has a completely different charm of its own.

If you have ever eaten in one of these roadside Indian eateries, then chances are that you have tasted some of the best Indian dishes and beverages like aloo matar, paneer makhani, dhaba ki dal, lassi, naan and so many other mouthwatering delights.

Dal can be prepared in a million ways, but dhaba ki dal is definitely special. With just a few spices and three different kinds of legumes make this dal recipe burst with some delicious flavours. It is one of the perfect vegan recipes to try. It's creamy texture and buttery taste make your taste-buds thank you for this awesome treat. So, here goes the recipe for dhaba ki dal:

Serves: 4-5
Preparation time: 4 hours
Cooking time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• Chana dal- ½ cup
• Urad dal- ½ cup
• Rajma (kidney beans)- ½ cup
• Cumin powder- 1tsp
• Coriander powder- 1tsp
• Red chilli powder- 1tsp
• Turmeric powder- ½ tsp
• Ginger-garlic paste- 1tbsp
• Tomato- 1(finely chopped)
• Onion- 1 (minced)
• Kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves)- 2tbsp
• Oil- 2tbsp
• Vegan butter (coconut oil based)- 1tbsp (optional)
• Water- 1 cup

Procedure

1. Soak the rajma for about 3-4 hours in water.
2. After that drain the water and cook the rajma with chana dal and urad dal in a pressure cooker with water.
3. Wait for 2-3 whistles to blow.
4. Remove the cooker from the flame and keep it aside.
5. Heat oil in a pan, add ginger-garlic paste and saute for about 2-3 minutes.
6. Add onions and fry for about 5-6 minutes on medium flame.
7. Add cumin powder, coriander powder, red chilli powder, turmeric powder and saute for another 2 minutes.
8. Add the tomatoes, salt and cook for 3 minutes.
9. Now add the cooked lentils and mix well.
10. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for about 5-6 minutes on low flame.
11. After that, remove the lid, crush the kasoori methi between your palms and sprinkle over the dal. Switch off the flame.
12. Top it up with vegan (coconut oil based) butter and serve.

To get the true dhaba experience, serve the dhaba ki dal with a spicy curry, naan and rice. Wash it down with a cooling glass of lassi to complete the effect.