The easy peasy dry white lentil recipe (Urad dal recipe, whole white/skinless black lentils) is a must-try if you are looking for healthy, vegan, gluten-free, and protein-rich lentils recipes.
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About the recipe
The white lentil, commonly known as Urad dal, is a whole or split black gram with its black skin removed. It is also known as skinless black lentils. This ivory white lentil is highly nutritious and rich in protein.
This lentil is a good option for :
- Diabetics as it is having a low GI of 43.
- Gluten-free diet.
- Plant-based protein and fibre.
- Dairy-free.
- Low carb diet.
- Vegan.
This urad dal, aka whole white lentils recipe is a simple and easy recipe that calls for mixing the boiled white lentils with curry base (masala paste) making it flavourful and yummy.
I prefer to make it dry as the outcome is superb, the lentils are fluffy and non-sticky and each grain is separated. But if you like a sticky and mushy consistency, make curry by just adding water to it.
Vegeterian white lentils
For the dry urad, whole white lentils recipe, you need the following ingredients:
White lentils: 1 cup- I prefer Whole White Urad dal or whole black gram without skin to make this recipe. You can use split white lentils also.
For Masala: Use onion, garlic, ginger, green chilies, and tomato to make a masala paste. (chop and fry them in oil on medium heat). In this recipe, I use 2- 3 tablespoons of masala paste I prepared a few days before in a large batch. Check this Masala paste curry base recipe.
Spices: cumin seeds, salt, turmeric, garam masala, and chili powder as per your taste.
Coriander: optional to garnish the lentils.
Check the recipe box for the quantity of the ingredients.
How to make white lentils?
Step-1 Boil the lentils
- Thoroughly wash and rinse the whole white lentil several times until the water appears clean and clear.
- Soaking this lentil (urad dal) is not required as it does not take much time to cook.
- In a pressure cooker, add lentils, water, salt, turmeric, pepper, and garam masala and stir well to mix all the ingredients. Close the lid and cook until a whistle blows. Turn off the heat and wait until the steam goes down. (image below)
Step-2 Tempering
- Heat oil in a skillet, add cumin seeds and turn them aromatic.
- Add the masala paste (curry base) and stir fry for 2-3 minutes.
- If you do not have masala paste, you can make it by frying onions in oil. Then, add ginger-garlic paste followed by tomato, and chilies and cook until your masala paste is ready.
- If you do not have masala paste, you can make it by frying onions in oil. Then, add ginger-garlic paste followed by tomato, and chilies and cook until your masala paste is ready.
- Pour in boiled lentils and combine well with the masala paste (previously prepared with onions, garlic, ginger and tomato)
- Cook white lentils for 5-7 minutes on low heat. Take care while mixing as it can become mushy if not handled gently.
Garnishing with chopped coriander leaves will enhance the flavor of these white lentils. However, you are free to omit it or use any other herb instead of coriander leaves.
Such an easy peasy lentil recipe you can prepare in no time if you have premade masala paste at your place. I recommend making such masala paste in advance whenever you have plenty of time. It will save you lots of time!!
Serving suggestions
- It completes the meal when served with Indian flatbread like roti or parantha or bread.
- This dry white lentil even tastes delicious when served alone as a snack.
- Add chopped cucumber, onions, and tomatoes. Squeeze a fresh lemon over it, and go with a super tasty lentil salad.
Tips
- Lentils are low in fat and high in protein and fiber, so adding lentils to your daily routine is the best way to do it.
- Do not soak in water as cooking time may vary due to water absorption. It may not get you the perfect results of the best tender lentil each time.
- Do not overcook the lentil. It will be sticky and mushy in texture otherwise.
- Add water as per the mentioned quantity for a perfectly tender cooked, not overcooked lentil.
- If your lentil is undercooked, slightly steam it by covering it with a lid or microwave it for 3-5 minutes.
- When mixing the lentil with masala paste, mix it with gentle care not to mash the lentil grains.
- This white lentil (urad dal) increases uric acid levels in the body. So, people with gout, kidney, or gallstones should consume it carefully.
Related
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Recipe
Easy Dry White Lentil Recipe
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Equipment
- Pressure cooker
- frying pan/skillet
Ingredients
- 1 cup White lentil
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 2 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 3 tablespoon masala paste
- coriander leaves
Instructions
Boil the white lentil
- Thoroughly wash the lentil until the water come out clean. (at least 4 -5 times)
- Pour the lentil into the cooker, and add water, salt, pepper, turmeric and garam masala. Cook until one whistle only.
Tempering
- Heat oil in a frying pan . Add cumin seeds and turn them aromatic.
- Add masala paste. (previously made with onions, tomatoes, ginger and garlic) Stir fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the boiled white lentil and combine well with the masala paste.
- Cook it for 5 minutes on low heat.
- Dry white lentil is ready to serve
Video
Notes
- Do not overcook the lentils. It will be sticky and mushy in texture otherwise.
- Refer to more tips in the post.
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Nutrition
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Jasmin Shaafi says
This looks incredible. I love lentils i'll definitely be trying this out. Looks delicious. Thank you for sharing!
Abhi says
Thanks, Jasmin!
Nina says
Love this recipe. Definitely trying it. Can I use Chana dal or other lentil instead of white lentil?
Abhi says
Thanks, Nina! Yes, you can use any other lentil, but cooking time may differ. So you have to check after one whistle if you are using a pressure cooker.