Amritsari Sookhi Dal: A Simple and Flavourful Punjabi Recipe

Amritsari Sookhi Dal is a tasty Punjabi dish made with urad dal, onions, tomatoes and aromatic spices. Unlike regular dal, which usually has a thin, gravy-like consistency, this dish is prepared with less liquid, giving it a thicker texture and rich flavour.

The recipe combines cooked lentils with a spicy mixture of onions, green chillies, tomatoes and Indian spices. A little ghee or oil adds richness, while lemon juice gives the dish a fresh, tangy taste. Fresh coriander leaves are added at the end to improve its flavour and appearance.

This easy recipe takes around 30 minutes to prepare and cook, making it a convenient choice for lunch or dinner. It serves three people and can be enjoyed with roti, chapati or paratha.

Ingredients for Amritsari Sookhi Dal

To prepare this dish, you will need one cup of urad dal, one finely chopped onion, two chopped tomatoes and two finely chopped green chillies.

For the seasoning, keep one teaspoon of cumin seeds, half a teaspoon each of turmeric powder and red chilli powder, one teaspoon of garam masala and salt according to taste. You will also need two tablespoons of oil or ghee, one teaspoon of lemon juice and fresh coriander leaves for garnishing.

How to Prepare Amritsari Sookhi Dal

Step 1: Cook the Dal

Wash the urad dal thoroughly under running water. Transfer it to a pressure cooker with three cups of water and cook until the lentils become soft. Follow the cooking time recommended for your type of urad dal.

Once the dal is cooked, drain any excess water if necessary and keep it aside. The dal should be soft but should not become too watery.

Step 2: Heat the Oil or Ghee

Place a pan on medium heat and add two tablespoons of oil or ghee. Allow it to heat for a few seconds.

Add the cumin seeds and let them crackle. This helps release their aroma and gives the dish a pleasant flavour.

Step 3: Add Onions and Green Chillies

Add the finely chopped onions and green chillies to the pan. Sauté them until the onions turn golden brown and become soft.

Stir occasionally to prevent the onions from burning. This step creates a flavourful base for the dal.

Step 4: Add the Spices

Add the turmeric powder, red chilli powder and garam masala to the pan. Mix well and cook for about one minute.

Cooking the spices briefly helps release their flavours and allows them to blend with the onions and green chillies.

Step 5: Cook the Tomatoes

Add the chopped tomatoes and mix everything thoroughly. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and blend into the spice mixture.

Continue cooking until the mixture thickens and some oil begins to separate from the masala. This gives the dal a rich taste.

Step 6: Mix in the Cooked Dal

Add the cooked urad dal to the pan and mix it gently with the onion-tomato masala. Add salt according to taste.

Let the dal simmer over low heat for around five minutes so that it absorbs the flavours of the spices. If the mixture becomes too dry, add a small amount of water to prevent it from sticking to the pan.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and add the lemon juice. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and mix gently.

Your Amritsari Sookhi Dal is now ready to serve. Enjoy it hot with roti, chapati or paratha for a simple and satisfying meal.

A Flavourful Punjabi Dish for Everyday Meals

Amritsari Sookhi Dal is a good choice for those who enjoy traditional Punjabi flavours. The combination of urad dal, aromatic spices and tangy lemon juice creates a delicious dish with a thick texture.

With simple ingredients and easy cooking steps, this recipe can be prepared at home without much effort. Serve it fresh and hot for lunch or dinner.