Easy Dry White Lentil Recipe

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The easy peasy dry white lentil recipe (Urad whole white/ skinless black lentil) 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
• Ingredients for white lentils recipe
• How to make white lentils?
• What to serve with white lentils?
• Tips and tricks
• Recipe
• Comments

About the recipe

The white lentils, 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 whole white lentil recipe is a simple and easy recipe that calls for mixing the boiled white lentil with masala paste making it flavourful and yummy.

I prefer to make it dry as the outcome is superb, the lentil is fluffy and non-sticky and each grain is separated. But if you like sticky and mushy consistency, you are free to make curry by just adding water to it.

Let's get started ...

Ingredients for white lentils recipe

For the dry urad whole white lentil recipe, you need the following ingredients:

White lentil: 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 chillies and tomato to make a masala paste. (Chop them 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 the recipe here)

Spices: cumin seeds, salt, turmeric, garam masala, chilli powder as per your taste.

Coriander: optional to garnish the lentils.

Note: For Masala paste; Click here to get the recipe!

The following ingredients are sometimes a bit hard to find in your regular store, so I am sharing these Amazon affiliate links for your reference to check.

^{Disclosure: These are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.}

How to make white lentils?

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Watch the video to learn the dry white lentil recipe in detail.

Step-1 Boiling 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

1. Heat oil in a skillet, add cumin seeds and turn them aromatic.
   
2. Add the masala paste and stir fry for 2-3 minutes.
   • If you do not have masala paste, you can make it by frying chopped onions in oil. Then, add ginger-garlic paste followed by tomato, and chillies and cook until your masala paste is ready.
     
3. Pour in boiled lentils and combine well with the masala paste*. *(This masala paste is previously prepared with onions, garlic, ginger and tomato)
   
4. 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 flavour 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. So, guys, I would recommend making such masala paste in advance whenever you have plenty of time. It will save you lots of time!!

What to serve with white lentils?

• 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 and squeeze a fresh lemon over it and go with a super tasty lentils salad.

Tips and tricks

1. Lentils are low in fat and high in protein and fibre, so adding lentils into your daily routine is the best way to do it.
   
2. 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.
   
3. Do not overcook the lentil. It will be sticky and mushy in texture otherwise.
   
4. Add water as per mentioned quantity for a perfect tender cooked, not overcooked lentil.
   
5. If your lentil is undercooked, slightly steam it by covering it with a lid or microwave it for 3-5 minutes.
   
6. When mixing the lentil with masala paste, mix it with gentle care not to mash the lentil grains.
   
7. This white lentil (urad dal) increases uric acid levels in the body. So, I strongly suggest people with gout, kidney or gall stones should consume this carefully.

Before you go …..………………………………………………

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