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Shahi Dal

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Shahi Dal is a luxurious Indian lentil dish that transforms humble pigeon peas into a royal meal. The lentils are simmered with earthy spices like turmeric, cinnamon, and cardamom until tender and fragrant. A separate tempering of onions, ginger, garlic, and chilies in ghee adds a deep, savory crunch that defines this "shahi" or royal style. The result is a creamy, flavorful curry with complex layers of taste and texture. It pairs perfectly with steamed basmati rice or warm roti. This dish is ideal for family dinners or when you want to serve something comforting yet sophisticated. It is naturally vegan if you substitute ghee with oil, making it accessible for various dietary preferences while retaining its authentic Indian character.
Cooking Method: ,
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6
Calories: 97.2
Dietary: Gluten-free, Vegetarian
Description
Shahi Dal is a luxurious Indian lentil dish that transforms humble pigeon peas into a royal meal. The lentils are simmered with earthy spices like turmeric, cinnamon, and cardamom until tender and fragrant. A separate tempering of onions, ginger, garlic, and chilies in ghee adds a deep, savory crunch that defines this "shahi" or royal style. The result is a creamy, flavorful curry with complex layers of taste and texture. It pairs perfectly with steamed basmati rice or warm roti. This dish is ideal for family dinners or when you want to serve something comforting yet sophisticated. It is naturally vegan if you substitute ghee with oil, making it accessible for various dietary preferences while retaining its authentic Indian character.
Ingredients
  • 2 cups pigeon peas (toor dal), soaked for 20 minutes
  • 1.5 quarts water
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 piece cinnamon stick
  • 1/2 tsp black peppercorns
  • 3 pieces bay leaves
  • 6 pieces green cardamoms
  • 6 pieces cloves
  • to taste salt
  • 1/4 cups ghee
  • 1 medium onion, finely sliced
  • 1.5 inches ginger, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 2 pieces fresh green chilies, chopped
  • 1 large tomato, chopped
Directions
  1. 1
    Wash the soaked pigeon peas thoroughly and drain.
  2. 2
    In a large pot, combine the washed pigeon peas with 1.5 quarts of water, turmeric, cinnamon stick, black peppercorns, bay leaves, cardamoms, cloves, and salt.
  3. 3
    Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the peas are tender and cooked through. Adjust cooking time if the peas are older and require longer simmering.
  4. 4
    While the dal simmers, heat ghee in a large skillet over medium heat.
  5. 5
    Add the finely sliced onions, chopped ginger, garlic, and green chilies to the skillet.
  6. 6
    Saut&# 195;© the onion mixture, stirring frequently, until the onions are golden brown and fragrant.
  7. 7
    Once the onions are browned, remove the skillet from heat and stir this tempering mixture into the pot of cooked pigeon peas.
  8. 8
    Add the chopped tomato to the dal pot, cover, and simmer for an additional 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  9. 9
    Adjust salt to taste and serve hot with steamed rice or roti.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 97.2kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.5g1%
Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 6.0mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 16.8g6%
Dietary Fiber 6.8g28%
Sugars 6.8g
Protein 6.5g13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Storage: Store leftover Shahi Dal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed to achieve desired consistency.

Variations: For a vegan version, substitute ghee with vegetable oil or coconut oil. You can also add a dollop of yogurt or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for extra tang.

Tips: If you do not have soaked pigeon peas, you can use dry toor dal but will need to increase the soaking time to 30 minutes and the cooking time accordingly. Ensure the dal is mashed slightly with a spoon for a creamier texture if preferred.

Safety: Be careful when handling hot ghee and simmering liquids to avoid steam burns.

Keywords: shahi dal, pigeon peas, toor dal, indian curry, lentil dish, vegetarian, vegan option, ghee, spices, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, garlic, onion, tomato, basmati rice, comfort food, aromatic, tempering, tadka
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/shahi-dal/