PUNJABI DISHES: Black Dal

Black Dal   

Ingredients :  Black gram dal (whole udad) – 1 cup   Chana (gram) dal – 2 tbsp   Red kidney beans (Rajmah) – 2 tbsp   Ghee – 1 tbsp   Water – 5 cups   Salt to taste   Cloves – 6 to 8  Cream – ½ cup (optional)   Ginger – 1 inch piece   Garlic – 5 flakes   Tomatoes (medium) – 5   Green chili – 3 to 4   Cinnamon – 1 inch piece stick   Butter – 2 tbsp   Coriander leaves – a few sprigs 

Method : 

1. Soak the dal for 2 – 3 hours. 
2. Chop the tomatoes, garlic, ginger and coriander leaves finely. 
3. Slit the chili. 
4. Pressure cook the dal and rajmah with salt and garlic for 3 – 4 whistles. 
5. Once cooked, let it simmer on a low flame for 30 minutes or till thick and creamy. 
6. In a pan heat the ghee. 
7. Add chopped ginger, chili, cinnamon, cloves and tomatoes. 
8. Cook on medium flame till the ghee separates. 
9. Add it to the dal. 
10. Add butter and serve hot. 
11. Add ½ cup cream just before serving.