Gujrati Dal from Sukham Ayu - ICC January 2011

The Indian Cooking Challenge Recipe for the Month of January is from the Cook Book Sukham Ayu, Authored by Jigyasa Giri & Pratibha Jain.Thanks to Srivalli, for choosing a Simple, easy to make, yet tasty recipe!!! After a Week of Anti-biotics,i m still in the clutches of the Cold Devil!!! But, didn't want to miss this ICC, so here i m with Gujarati Dal!!!! 

Ingredients

½ Cup Split red gram (Toor dal)

½ tsp Turmeric powder
4 – 5 pieces Dry soft kokam or 2 tbsp tamarind pulp
1 – 3 tsp Jaggery

4 nos Hard dry dates (optional), halved
4 -5 pieces of  Drumstick
4 – 5 pieces of Yam 4-5 pieces
1 tbsp Ground-nuts
2 nos Green chillies, slited
a small piece of Ginger, chopped
2 tsp Coriander powder
1 tsp Cumin powder
¼ tsp Garam masala
Coriander leaves to garnish
Powdered rock salt to taste

The tempering 
2 tsp Cow's ghee
½ tsp Mustard seeds
¼ tsp Fenugreek seeds
½ tsp Cumin seeds
2 nos Dry red chillies 
hing a pinch
fistful of Curry leaves 

Method

Soak the Dal for half an hour, Pressure Cook till Soft, with little Turmeric. Churn Well. The veggies in the ingredient list are not compulsory, you can make this Dal, with no veggies too!!! Now, this came as an advantage to already cold-stricken Me!!! since i didnt go out shopping this week, my refrigerator veggies section, is almost dry!!! Lucky me, had some Yam!!! so i have used it in this!!!

In a heavy-bottom pan, add the Dal,  veggies and all the other ingredients, except garam masala and the tempering with a cup of water. Cook in a Low flame for 15-20 minutes, till the veggies are done.

Heat ghee in another kadai, splutter mustard seeds, add cumin, let it crackle, add hing, fenugreek and chillies, curry leaves. Pour this tempering over the dal!!! Garnish it with Garam Masala and fresh Coriander leaves!!! Serve Hot with Rice/roti!!! 

Actually i had mine with Dosa!!! Liked it much!!! The Tangy, Sweet, a mixture of all Taste!!!! My Kid enjoyed this tasty dal with Steaming Hot Rice!!!! A easy,quickie recipe and a nice change from the regular Tadka dal!!!!