Pahadi Chausa Dal Recipe: Indian cuisine is incomplete without dal and vegetables, which are staple components of every meal. While arhar dal is the most commonly cooked lentil in Indian households, there are many hidden gems in regional cuisines that offer a unique taste and nutrition. One such authentic Uttarakhandi dish is Pahadi Chausa Dal, a flavorful and aromatic preparation that you must try if you love experimenting with new flavors.
What Makes Pahadi Chausa Dal Special?
Hailing from the mountainous state of Uttarakhand, Chausa Dal is a protein-rich, wholesome dish that brings together the earthy flavors of black gram lentils (kali urad dal) and aromatic mountain herbs. It is commonly prepared in local homes, dhabas, and restaurants across Uttarakhand and is loved for its rustic taste and health benefits.
Ingredients for Pahadi Chausa Dal Recipe
To prepare this traditional dal, you will need:
- 1/2 cup black urad dal (with husk)
- 1-2 green chilies
- 1-inch piece of ginger
- 2 tablespoons whole coriander seeds
- 7-8 garlic leaves (pattay wala lehsun)
- A handful of fresh coriander leaves
- 2 tablespoons mustard oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1-2 whole dried red chilies
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon whole wheat flour (for thickening, optional)
Step-by-Step Recipe for Pahadi Chausa Dal
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Finely crush or grind green chilies, ginger, coriander seeds, garlic leaves, and fresh coriander to form a coarse paste.
- Thoroughly wash the black urad dal and dry-roast it in a pan until it turns slightly crispy.
- Once roasted, grind it into a coarse powder.
2. Tempering the Dal
- Heat mustard oil in a pan until it reaches its smoking point.
- Add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and dried red chilies (broken into pieces) to the oil and let them splutter.
- Stir in the prepared spice paste and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
3. Cooking the Dal
- Add the ground black urad dal powder and whole wheat flour to the pan. Roast for a few seconds to enhance the flavor.
- Pour in required water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Season with turmeric and salt, stirring well.
- Simmer the dal for 3-5 minutes until it thickens and reaches a smooth consistency.
4. Serve and Enjoy!
Your delicious Pahadi Chausa Dal is now ready! Serve it hot with steamed rice, roti, or mandua (finger millet) chapati for an authentic Garhwali-Kumaoni meal experience.
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Why You Should Try Pahadi Chausa Dal Recipe
- Unique Mountain Flavors: Unlike regular dals, this one has a smoky, earthy taste.
- Nutritious & Protein-Rich: Black urad dal is packed with fiber and essential nutrients.
- Easy to Make: Requires simple ingredients but delivers a robust flavor.
- Authentic Uttarakhandi Experience: Perfect for those who want to explore regional Indian cuisine.
Pahadi Chausa Dal is a hidden gem of Uttarakhand’s culinary heritage, offering a perfect balance of taste, tradition, and nutrition. If you're looking to try something different from your usual dal recipes, give this one a shot and experience the rustic flavors of the Himalayas.
For more authentic Uttarakhandi recipes, stay tuned and let us know how your Chausa Dal turned out!
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