DAL MAHARANI – Dal Recipes

Dal Maharani is a North Indian Dish. This recipe is the combination of Toor and urad dal. It is not only delicious, good source of nonmeat protein and it also has a number of health benefits. Try this recipe you like it. It goes well with any vegetable fry like potato fry or colocasia fry.

Ingredients

1/4 Cup of Toor Dal 1/4 Cup of Urad Dal (black or white) 2 Green Chillies 1/4 Tsp of Red Chilli Powder 1/4 Tsp of Garam Masala 1/4 Tsp of Turmeric Powder 2 Tbsp of Tomato 1/2 Tsp of Oil 2 Tbsp of Milk

To Temper

2 Tsp of Oil 1 Tsp of Cumin Pinch of Hing 1 Bay Leaf 1 Tsp of Grated Ginger 2 Tbsp of Chopped Onion

To Garnish

Few Sprig of Cilantro 1 Tbsp of Chopped Onion

Method

Soak both the dal in water for 1/2 hr. Drain the water and wash the dal in cold tap water. Pressure cook both the dal, turmeric powder, chilly powder, garam masala, salt, hing, oil, tomato and 1 and 1/2 cups of water for 3- 4 whistles. Heat oil in a pan, add cumin, hing, bay leaf, grated ginger and onion, fry for 1-2 mins. Add the boiled dal and milk to a pan, let it cook for 2 mins. Check the salt and switch off the stove. Finally garnish with cilantro and chopped onion.

Tips

Serve with spicy fry like potato fry or colocasia fry. You can use either black urad dal or white urad dal. To make your dal more rich, add cream instead of milk. You can add lemon juice at the end, to get more tangy flavor. Health Benefits of Toor and urad dal.

Lentils are high in fiber and protein, and low in fat. Eating lentils and other foods that are rich in soluble dietary fiber can help decrease high cholesterol A dish of basmati rice with dal combines carbohydrates, protein, fiber and fats for a healthy, balanced meal. The rice provides carbohydrates for quick-release energy.

Channa Rice / Chickpeas Pulao / Sundal Biryani This is my mom’s recipe, who is a great cook. This flavorful chickpeas rice is highly nutritious because of its high in protein and fiber. Enjoy this yummy, healthy, one pot meal either for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

2/3 Cup of Soaked and Boiled Chick Peas / Channa 1 Cup of Basmati Rice 1 Large Onion, chopped 2 Roma Tomatoes, Chopped 2 Garlic Cloves 3/4 Tsp of Ginger Garlic Paste 2 Tsp of Coriander Powder 1/2 Tsp of Red Chilly Powder 3/4 Tsp of Garam Masala 1 Cup of Coconut Milk 1/2 Cup of Water Salt to taste

To Grind

2 Green Chillies Few Sprigs of Mint Leaves

To Temper

1 Tbsp of Ghee 2 Cloves 1 Cinnamon Stick 1-2 Cardamom 1 Bay Leaves Few Curry Leaves

To Garnish

Few Cilantro Leaves

Method Soak chick peas in salt water for overnight. Next day, wash it in cold water and Pressure cook for 8-10 whistles and then switch off the stove. In a blender, grind green chillies and mint, to a paste. keep it aside. Heat ghee in a cooker, add all the ingredients below “To Temper” one by one, fry for a min. Add chopped onion and salt, fry for 1-2 mins until it turns golden brown. Add garlic cloves and ginger garlic paste, fry until raw smell vanishes. Add tomatoes, ground paste, coriander, red chilly powder and garam masala, fry for a 1-2 mins. Add boiled chick peas, mix well with masala. Add required coconut milk and water, mix well and check the salt. Cover the cooker with a lid and pressure cook for 1 whistles. Turn off the stove. Garnish with cilantro. Hot chick peas or Channa Pulao is ready to serve with raita.

Tips

Rice and water ratio is 1: 1.5 cups of water or coconut milk. For extra tangy taste, add few drops of lemon juice at the end. Ginger garlic paste is more sufficient for this rice. Adding garlic cloves is optional. You can throw green chillies and mint, directly to oil, instead of grinding.

Health Benefits of ChickPeas

High in fiber and protein. Low in glycemic index. Reduce the risk of Heart disease.

sending recipe to gayathri cook spot and WTML march 2013

Basil Pesto Sandwich with Tomato and Mozzarella Cheese

This delicious Italian sandwich is a burst of classic red, white and green. Pesto is a sauce originated in Liguria region of northern Italy and traditionally consists of crushed garlic, basil and pine nuts blended with olive oil, Parmesan cheese and Fiore Sardo (cheese made from sheep’s milk). This simple and flavorful sauce along with bread and sweet tomato makes you to float in heaven.

Ingredients

2 Whole Wheat Bread 1 Roma Tomato, Chopped 1-2 Tbsp of Basil Pesto Dash of Salt and Pepper 1 Slice of Mozzarella Cheese

Method

Spread Basil Pesto on both sides of the bread. Place chopped tomato and mozzarella cheese on top of the basil pesto. Add dash of salt and pepper. Place the other side of the bread on top of the tomato to make a sandwich. Grill the sandwich until golden brown marks appears. Hot sandwich is ready.

Tips

Serve hot sandwich with flavored potato chips or coffee or Tea. You can have any cheese instead of mozzarella.

Health Benefits of Basil Pesto Sandwich

Cheese are great source of protein and calcium. Also contains nutrients like zinc and biotin. Basil pesto has more medical properties, as garlic in it has more antioxidant. Basil rich in vitamin K. Pine nuts are packed full of antioxidants and they are also full of dietary fiber, which can aid in a healthy digestive system