One-Pot Black Urad Dal Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Weeknights can be chaotic. After a long day, no one is in the mood to commit to cooking for hours. This is where a one-pot meal comes in as a life saver. Most are quick, easy and you only have to clean one pot only. Here is one of these gems - Black Urad Dal - a delicious and humble lentil that offers protein, fiber and great deep earthy flavor.

Black urad dal, or whole black gram, is a staple in many Indian households. It can serve many purposes, from dals to soups and even as a creamy curry. Even you can cook meal with just a few spices and one pot, which is such a great feeling for a weeknight meal.

So, below are some one-pot black urad dal recipes that are good for busy weeknights.

1.    Classic One-Pot Dal Makhani (Simplified)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup black urad dal (soaked overnight)

• 4 cups water

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 tomatoes, pureed

• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• ½ tsp garam masala

• ½ tsp red chili powder

• 1 tbsp butter or ghee

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

• In a heavy-bottomed pot or a pressure cooker, heat the ghee and add the cumin seeds.

• Add the sliced onions, sautéing until they are deep golden brown.

• Add the ginger-garlic paste, and sauté for one minute or until the raw garlic smell dissipates.

• Add the tomato puree, salt, and spices. Cook until the oil separates.

• Drain the soaked dal and add it to the pot with water.

• Pressure cook for 7 - 8 whistles (or you can simmer in a regular pot for 45 - 60 minutes until creamy).

• Finish off with a spoon of butter for extra richness.

This basic one-pot dal makhani is great with roti or rice. And if you are running out of ingredients you can easily buy black whole urad dal online from reputable organic stores which offer better quality and taste.

2. Spiced Urad Dal Soup

A hearty, protein-rich soup that’s great on its own or with toasted bread.

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup black urad dal (washed)

• 1 carrot, chopped

• 1 tomato, chopped

• 1 garlic clove

• 1 tsp cumin

• Black pepper, salt

• Fresh lemon juice

Instructions:

• In a pot put some water and all the ingredients.

• Boil and simmer until everything is soft.

• Blend for a smooth texture or enjoy it chunky.

• Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil.

Why Black Urad Dal is Good for Weeknights?

Black urad dal is hearty, tasty, and great for gut health. It works well with many Indian flavors and spices. Your time is well spent cooking it in one pot (to let the lentils absorb all the spices deeply) and it also makes meal prepping much easier as you can do meal prep one time and eat two times. 

When you use organic ingredients, you will notice the difference in quality and nutrition in your meals. Try to source your pantry staples such as Black whole urad dal online from reliable organic suppliers; you can be assured it is clean and chemical free, even on your busy days.

Discover the goodness of nature's clean, wholesome food with Indus Valley Organic, your one-stop "clean-eating" grocery store in the USA.

Shop online today for the best lentils, spices, and other quality organic foods delivered right to your door.