Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Prepare the Dals

   Pre-soak 0.5 cup red kidney beans, 0.5 cup split gram dal (chana dal), and 0.5 cup split urad dal overnight. Ensure the dals are thoroughly washed a few times before soaking.

2. 2.Heat Ghee and Temper Whole Spices

   Turn on the gas and place a pressure cooker on it. Add about 1.5 tablespoons of ghee. Once the ghee is hot, add 5-6 cloves, 2-3 black cardamom, 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds, and 0.5 teaspoon of coriander seeds. Let them sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant.

3. 3.Sauté Onions and Aromatics

   Add a few curry leaves to the sizzling spices. Then, add 1 medium sliced onion and sauté until it softens, without browning too much. Next, add 2 teaspoons of ginger-garlic paste and 3 slit green chilies (or to taste) and stir well.

4. 4.Add Powdered Spices and Tomatoes

   Add 1 teaspoon each of coriander powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, and turmeric powder. Add salt to taste. Stir quickly to combine the spices. Then, add 2 chopped tomatoes and cook them down until they break apart and the ghee separates from the mixture.

5. 5.Cook the Dals in Pressure Cooker

   Pour in the pre-soaked and washed dals along with their soaking water into the pressure cooker. Give it a good stir. Turn up the gas and let it simmer. Add about 1 cup of water. Place the lid on the pressure cooker and cook for 5-7 whistles, or until the kidney beans are soft and mushy.

6. 6.Finish the Dal

   Once the pressure cooker has whistled (around 8 whistles were observed in the video), turn off the gas and allow the steam to release naturally. Open the lid. Check if the kidney beans are soft enough to mash easily. Stir the dal quite hard to mash all the lentils together for a creamy consistency. Turn the gas back on. Add 1 teaspoon of Kasuri Methi (dried fenugreek leaves) and sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Garam Masala. Stir well.

7. 7.Serve

   Serve the Dhabewali Dal hot with a dollop of ghee and fresh curry leaves. It pairs wonderfully with hot buttered tandoori rotis, naan bread, or plain rice and onion salad.