Go Back
–+ servings
amritsari sookhi dal in the bowl

Amritsari Sookhi Dal / Sookhi (Dry) Urad Dal

By Jigna
Amritsari Sookhi Dal is a famous North Indian recipe that is wholesome, nutritious, healthy, and satisfying! This Sookhi Dal is made without onion and garlic, but it is flavorful and delicious with the nutty taste of Urad Dal.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Cuisine Indian, North Indian
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Diet Jain, No Onion No Garlic, Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

For Cooking Dal:

  • 1 cup Dhuli urad dal (split and skinned black gram)
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • Salt to taste

For Amritsari Sookhi Dal:

  • 2 tablespoon oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 2 whole dry red chilis
  • ¼ teaspoon asafoetida powder (Hing)
  • 1-inch ginger peeled and grated
  • 2 large tomatoes finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder or add to taste
  • ½ teaspoon coriander powder
  • ½ teaspoon roasted cumin powder
  • ½ teaspoon garam masala powder or add to taste
  • ½ teaspoon amchur powder (or lemon juice to taste)
  • 2 tablespoon finely chopped coriander leaves
  • Salt to taste

Instructions
 

Cooking The Dal

  • Wash Urad dal a few times or until the water runs clear. Then, soak the dal in 3 cups of water for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours. Drain the dal in a colander and set aside.
  • Transfer the drained dal to a pan or Kadai. Then add 2 cups of water, ginger, salt, and turmeric powder. Mix and bring this mixture to the boil on high heat.
  • Turn the heat on low and cover the pan with a lid. Let it cook until the dal is thoroughly cooked, but the grains stay separate and do not get mushy.
  • While cooking the dal, remove the scum or frothing with a spoon from the top of the dal as needed.
  • Cooking the dal will take about 12-15 minutes. Drain the dal into a fine sieve and set aside.

Making The Amritsari Dal

  • Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds and whole dry red chilis.
  • When cumin seeds start sizzling, add ginger and asafoetida. Saute for a few seconds.
  • Add chopped tomatoes, mix well, and cook for 2 minutes. Then, add cumin powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala.
  • Mix well and continue cooking until the tomatoes are soft and the oil separates from the sides.
  • Add drained cooked dal and mix gently until everything is well incorporated. Cook the dal for 2 minutes.
  • Add Amchur powder and chopped coriander leaves. You can also use lemon juice instead of Amchur powder.
  • Mix well, taste the dal, and add salt as required. Turn off the heat and transfer the Amritsari Sookhi Dal into a serving bowl.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve the Amritsari Sookhi Dal as a side dish with Roti and vegetable curry.
  • This Sookhi Dal Amritsari can also be served with Roti or Paratha.
  • We love to have this dal with Gujarati-style Bhakri and Rotla.
  • For a simple and filling dinner, serve this dal with sorghum Roti (Jowar Roti) or Bhakri.

Notes

  1. Urad Dal: It is essential to rinse the dal thoroughly until the water runs clear. Then, soak the dal for at least one hour or up to four hours. While cooking the lentils, remove the scum or foam that appears on the top of the dal. If you want to make this dal using yellow lentils, you can use them instead of urad dal.
  2. Ginger: If you dislike using too much ginger, you can skip it while cooking the dal.
  3. Tomatoes: Tomatoes add moisture to this dal, so do not skip them. However, you can add more or fewer tomatoes to your taste preference.

Nutrition (Approximate Values)

Calories : 231kcalCarbohydrates : 29gProtein : 12gFat : 8gSaturated Fat : 1gPolyunsaturated Fat : 2gMonounsaturated Fat : 5gTrans Fat : 0.03gSodium : 6mgPotassium : 528mgFiber : 14gSugar : 2gVitamin A : 296IUVitamin C : 7mgCalcium : 36mgIron : 4mg
Tried this recipe?Tag @vegehomecooking On Instagram