Best Easy Kulthi Dal Recipe

Kulthi Dal brings together lentils and traditional Indian spices for a comforting, protein-packed meal. This affordable vegetarian dish is a healthy family favorite that fits into any calorie-conscious plan.

Cook 55 min Difficulty EASY 245 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean #diabetic friendly #high protein
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • horse gram (kulthi dal), dry 1 cup
  • water 4 cups
  • tomato, chopped 1 medium
  • onion, finely chopped 1 medium
  • ginger, grated 1 tbsp
  • garlic, minced 2 cloves
Seasonings/Sauce
  • turmeric powder 0.5 tsp
  • cumin seeds 1 tsp
  • mustard seeds 0.5 tsp
  • red chili powder 0.5 tsp
  • salt 1 tsp
  • oil 1.5 tbsp
  • fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) 2 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 36 g 59%
Protein 15 g 24%
Fat 4.5 g 17%
Serving size 250g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Rinse the horse gram thoroughly and soak it in water for 6 hours or overnight for even, tender cooking.

  2. 2

    Drain, place the soaked dal and 4 cups fresh water in a large pot or pressure cooker. Add turmeric powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook on medium flame until dal is soft (30 minutes in pot, or 15 minutes after pressure builds in cooker).

  3. 3

    While the dal cooks, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds; let them splutter for aromatic tempering, about 30 seconds.

  4. 4

    Stir in onions and sauté until golden. Add garlic, ginger, and continue to sauté for 2 minutes before adding chopped tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes are soft and mixture is fragrant.

  5. 5

    Add red chili powder, stir well, and combine the masala mixture into the cooked dal. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to thicken and meld flavors. Adjust salt, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Kulthi Dal recipe?
The star ingredient is horse gram (kulthi dal), a protein-rich lentil known for its earthy flavor, hearty texture, and high nutrition value. It forms the rich base of the dish while absorbing all the savory and aromatic notes from the spices.
Q. How do I achieve the perfect texture in Kulthi Dal?
Soaking horse gram for at least 6 hours and cooking it until tender ensures a soft, hearty texture. Simmering the cooked dal with sautéed onions, tomatoes, and spices helps thicken the dal and blend the flavors seamlessly.
Q. What cooking techniques help maximize flavor in this recipe?
Tempering the cumin and mustard seeds in hot oil is essential for releasing their flavors. Sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger until golden before adding tomatoes ensures rich, layered aromatics that infuse the dal deeply during the final simmer.
Q. How many calories and how much protein are there per serving of Kulthi Dal?
Each 250g serving of Kulthi Dal contains about 245 kcal and 15g of protein. Protein contributes around 24% of calories, making it a protein-packed vegetarian option ideal for balanced, calorie-conscious meals.
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