Lobia Dal

A food that conjures up my feelings of warmth and comfort is DAL. A simple honest dish that needs very little other than a hot chappati (Indian Bread) or some rice doused in ghee to augment it. Lentils or dal as they are referred to in India, are dried legumes and their edible seeds. Dals are the primary source of protein in the Indian cuisine. High in fibre, rich in protein, low in fat , easily digestible and available in a wide variety of flavours and textures, dals are healthy. They have the ability to absorb a variety of other flavours as well. For extra nutritional punch, dals are cooked with greens in them.This dish is prepared by my mother in law in a very simple method, which I have given below along with the reciepe I follow when I cook the same lentil for guests.

Ingredients :

Lobia (black eyed beans)                                                      250 grams

Onion,finely chopped                                                            1,medium

Garlic Clove,minced                                                              1, large

Tomato,finely chopped                                                          1 cup

Ghee                                                                                    3 tbsp

Mustard seeds                                                                      3/4 tsp

Cumin seeds                                                                         1/4th tsp

Fenugreek seeds                                                                   1/4 th tsp

Garam masala                                                                       1 tsp

Chilly powder                                                                       1/2 tsp

Turmeric                                                                               1/4 tsp

Sugar                                                                                    1 tsp

salt                                                                                        as per taste

Lobia (black eyed beans)    

Other ingredients

Method :

In a pan soak the lentils overnight. Then put the pan on heat and boil the lentils till soft and mushy. U can also pressure cook the lentils till soft. Don't discard the liquid in which the lentils have been cooked. Keep it reserved .

In a medium size pan, heat ghee or u may use oil if u so desire, and drop the mustard seeds. When they begin to splutter, add cumin and fenugreek.

When the cumin starts to catch color, add the onions. Cook until it starts to turn golden and then add the garlic. Stir for a minute and add the tomato. Cook stirring occasionally .

Add all spices and mix. Cook for two minutes and then add the boiled, soft, lobia lentils with the liquid.

Add salt and sugar according to taste.

Top with chopped coriander leaves.

Serve with parathas.

My Mother in laws recipe :

Ingredients :

Lobia                                                               250 grams

Onion, finely chopped                                      1,medium

Tomato, finely chopped                                   1 cup

Ginger, finely chopped                                     1 inch

Ghee                                                               3 tbsp

Cumin seeds                                                    1/2 tsp

Green Cardamom                                            2

Cloves                                                             2

Cinnamon                                                        1 stick

TurmericPowder                                              1/4 th tsp

Coriander Leaves,finely chopped                     2 tbsp

Green Chilly,finely chopped                             2

Sugar                                                             as per taste

Salt                                                                as per taste

Method for making :

Soak the lobia lentils overnight and then pressure cook till absolutely soft. Take a spoon and mash some of the lentils. Do not discard the liquid. Keep all aside.

Crush the whole garam masala(whole clove, cinnamon and cardamom) and keep aside.

Heat ghee in a wok and and add cumin seeds and the crushed spices. Saute a bit and add the chopped onion. Stir fry till golden.At this stage you may add  one chopped potato,but that is optional.

Next add the tomatoes and fry well.

Then add the ginger and green chillies and some of the coriander leaves chopped fine.

Add the lentils with the liquid.

Add turmeric powder.

Cook stirring continuously.

Add sugar, salt and taste and adjust flavours.

When the liquid reduces to half and the gravy has thickened, turn the flame off and give some standing time.

After 10 minutes transfer to a serving bowl.

Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve with paratha or chapatti.

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