Smoked Dhaba Dal Recipe

Step 1: To begin making the Smoked Dhaba Dal Recipe; we will use the pressure cooker method to make the dal in one pot along with all the spices

Step 2: Soak the tuvar dal and green moong dal for about an hour in water

Step 3: Once you are through with the soaking time, get all the ingredients ready

Step 4: Heat a teaspoon of oil in the pressure cooker; add the onions, ginger, garlic and green chillies and saute for a few minutes until the onions are lightly tender and softened

Step 5: Add the tomatoes, and the remaining spices and saute until you smell the aromas coming through

Step 6: Add the soaked dals, salt and add 3 cups of water

Step 7: Cover the pressure cooker, place the weight on and cook until you hear 2 to 3 whistles

Step 8: After two to three whistles, turn the heat to low and simmer the Dhaba Dal for about 5 to 8 minutes

Step 9: Once done, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally

Step 10: The dal continues to cook under the pressure, hence we allow it to rest until the pressure releases

Step 11: Once the pressure releases; open the cooker and you will notice the dal cooked and mushy

Step 12: That is how we want the Dhaba Dal to appear

Step 13: Stir in the chopped coriander leaves and check the salt and spice levels

Step 14: Adjust to suit your taste

Step 15: Adjust the consistency of the dal, by adding water

Step 16: Now the final step is to add the smoked flavor and to prepare the seasoning

Step 17: To smoke the dal heat charcoal until red hot over the gas burner (direct flame)

Step 18: Once the coal is red hot, place it in a heatproof bowl

Step 19: Place this bowl on top of the cooked lentils

Step 20: Drizzle a teaspoon of ghee over the hot coal

Step 21: The coal will begin to smoke almost instantly

Step 22: At this stage, cover the dal pan and allow the smoke to circulate inside

Step 23: This process of smoking a dal, is called Dhungar or Coal Smoking Technique

Step 24: After about a minute, open the dal pan and you will see the smoke effect has withered

Step 25: Transfer the Smoked Dhaba Dal to a serving bowl

Step 26: For the seasoning; heat a teaspoon of ghee in a small pan; add the cumin seeds, the slivered garlic, and red chillies

Step 27: Allow the cumin to crackle for a few seconds and turn off the heat

Step 28: Pour this seasoning over the Smoked Dhaba Dal

Step 29: Serve Smoked Dhaba Dal Recipe along with Garlic Naan and Palak Raita for a weekday meal