Kulthi Kulath/ Gahat Horse Gram Pahadi Dal Recipe

This nutritious Gahat dal recipe is a staple in Uttarakhand, cherished for its distinct taste and traditional preparation. The tempering with mustard oil and red chilies adds a flavorful touch, making it a delightful dish for those seeking an authentic mountain cuisine experience.

How to Cook:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Gahat dal (Horse Gram), soaked overnight
• 10-15 cloves Garlic
• 3-4 medium Green chilies
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tsp Cumin seeds
• 3 tsp Coriander seeds
• 4 tbsp + 1 tbsp Mustard oil
• 1 tsp Cumin powder
• 2 medium Onions, finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp Asafoetida
• 1/2 tsp Red chili powder
• 1 tsp Coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
• 10-12 whole Red chilies
• 4-5 tbsp Fresh coriander, chopped

Instructions:

• Preparation of Dal Paste:
• Drain and rinse the soaked Gahat dal.
• In a blender, combine the dal, 6-7 cloves of garlic, 3-4 green chilies, cumin seeds, and coriander seeds. Blend the mixture, maintaining a coarse texture. Add a little water while grinding, ensuring a granular consistency.
• Cooking the Dal:
• Heat 4 tbsp of mustard oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and finely chopped onions. Cook until the onions turn golden brown.
• Add asafoetida, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt to the onions. Stir well.
• Incorporate the blended dal paste into the pan. Cook without water initially, adding water gradually to achieve the desired thickness.
• Allow the dal to cook for 20-25 minutes. Adjust the consistency by adding boiling water if necessary.
• Tempering:
• In a small pan, heat 1 tbsp of mustard oil until it boils. Add dried red chilies and red chili powder to the hot oil.
• Pour the tempered oil over the cooked dal.
• Finishing Touch:
• Garnish the dal with chopped fresh coriander.
• Serving:
• Serve the Gahat dal hot, paired with red rice or plain rice.