Maa Ki Dal | Kali Dal | Black Gram Dal

Maa ki Dal or Punjabi Kali Dal recipe (black gram or kali urad dal): This delicious and creamy Punjabi lentil dish is made with whole black gram (sabut urad dal), onions, tomatoes, and aromatic Indian spices. Comforting, filling, and satisfying meal, served with roti, rice, paratha, or naan. Perfect for a cozy family meal!

This Maa ki Dal holds a special place in my heart; it's a cherished recipe that instantly transports me back to my childhood. My mom used to prepare this dish frequently.

In Punjabi, these lentils are called "mah di dal", "maa di dal" or "manh di daal". At home, we call whole black lentils as "maa di dal".

Maa ki dal is also known as kali dal, is similar to dal makhani with slight variation. The difference between maa ki dal and dal makhani is:

Maa ki dal or kali dal is made from whole black grams (black dal, kali urad dal, or sabut urad dal) only. Whereas Dal Makhani is made with a combination of whole black grams, kidney beans (rajma), and some times chana dal. It is a rich dish as it is made with butter, and cream. It is known as creamy (makhani) dish.

In Punjabi, Makhan means butter and word Makhani means buttery. Thus, dal makhani is a rich, creamy, dish.

There are many ways of making this kali dal or black gram dal recipe. This homestyle maa ki dal can be made spicy or mild. Usually, butter or cream is not added to this dal, thus keeping it light.

kali dal or maa ki dal is not the same as dal makhani. They are two different dishes. There is another popular Punjabi dish called maa chole di dal, also known as Lagarwali Dal. It is made from black lentils and chana dal.

At home, we love light dal like Dal fry, Dal tadka, various sabjis, pulao, khichdi, idli, dosa, sambar. My hubby loves these are simple, comforting foods.

This recipe of kali dal is a light recipe with a spicy touch to it. I have made this with olive oil and no butter or ghee. For a more rich flavor, you can use butter or ghee. You can also add some cream in the end if you prefer.

This whole black gram dal is made with onions, green chilies, tomato puree and crushed ginger-garlic sautéed with Indian spices. You can skip this step, and use my premade homemade Bhuna Masala, which essentially has all the ingredients listed. Simply, add bhuna masala, soaked dal, water, and salt to taste, pressure cook and you have effortless meals ready in a jiffy.

Generally maa ki daal is cooked and simmered in an open pot. Nowadays we don’t have that much patience and time, to cook dal in a pot. The black lentils take a lot of time to cook in a pot.

I have cooked the dal in a stovetop pressure cooker. It is a quick cooking method and what might take hours, just gets done in 30 to 40 minutes. You can use Instant Pot or stovetop pressure cooker to prepare this dish. Post includes both the methods.

Use fresh lentils as they cook faster compared to aged lentils. I prefer to soak the lentils for some time before cooking. Soaking lentils reduces the cooking time and helps in getting rid of the phytic acid found in lentils.

Jump to:

• About Maa Ki Dal
• Ingredients For Maa Ki Dal Recipe
• How to make Maa Ki Dal
• Instant Pot Maa Ki Dal
• Storage
• Tips For Delicious Maa Ki Dal
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Serving
• Popular Dal Recipes
• Maa Ki Dal | Kali Dal | Black Gram Dal
• Sides Recipes

About Maa Ki Dal

Maa ki dal," also known as "kali dal" or black lentils, is a hearty and flavorful dish from Punjabi cuisine. It's made with whole black gram, cooked to a creamy texture, and infused with spices. The name "Maa ki dal" reflects the comforting, home-cooked essence of the dish, often associated with a mother's love and the warmth of family meals.

Ingredients For Maa Ki Dal Recipe

Here's a brief description of the main ingredients used in Maa ki Dal:

Whole Black Gram (Urad Dal): These are small black lentils with a rich and earthy flavor. They are a good source of protein and are commonly used in Indian cuisine.

Onion: Onions provide a savory and sweet flavor to the dish.

Tomatoes: Tomatoes add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the dal. They also contribute to the thickness of the gravy.

Green Chilies: These provide heat and a fresh, spicy flavor to the dish. Adjust the quantity according to your spice preference.

Ginger-Garlic: A combination of fresh ginger and garlic, adds a pungent and aromatic element to the dish.

Cream (Optional): Cream is added to create a rich and creamy texture in the dal. It enhances the overall flavor and mouthfeel.

Butter: Butter contributes to the richness of the dish, providing a smooth and velvety consistency.

Cumin Seeds: Cumin seeds add a warm and slightly nutty flavor.

Hing (Asafoetida): Aids in digestion. Has a slightly pungent flavor.

Spices (Red Chili Powder, Turmeric Powder, Coriander Powder, Garam Masala): These spices add warmth, and depth of flavor to the dish.

Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

Fresh Coriander Leaves: Used as a garnish, fresh coriander leaves add a burst of freshness and a mild, citrusy flavor.

Lemon (Optional): Adds a burst of citrusy flavor and a tangy taste to the dish. Adjust to taste.

These ingredients come together to create a hearty and flavorful Maa ki Dal, a popular and comforting dish in Indian cuisine.

How to make Maa Ki Dal

"Maa ki dal" is a popular Punjabi dish made with whole black gram (urad dal) and usually served with rice or Indian bread such as naan or roti. Here's a simple recipe for making maa ki dal:

Note: You can skip Step 2 - Step 5, and use homemade Bhuna Masala to make this dal with just 4 simple ingredients. You'll need ¾ cup of homemade Bhuna Masala, soaked Urad dal, water, and salt to taste.

Step 1: Wash the black gram thoroughly and soak them in water overnight.

Step 2: In a pressure cooker, heat oil and add cumin seeds. Allow them to splutter.

Step 3: Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they become light golden brown.

Step 4: Add ginger-garlic and chopped green chilies. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the raw smell disappears.

Step 5: Add chopped tomatoes, red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and the oil starts to separate from the masala.

Step 6: Add soaked dal with enough water and pressure cook until they are soft and well-cooked. It usually takes about 4-5 whistles. Allow the pressure to release naturally.

Step 7: Mash the dal slightly with the back of the ladle or potato masher. Add the butter to the cooked dal. Mix well and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

Step 8: Add cream (optional) and garam masala. Stir well and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Step 9: Adjust salt and spices according to your taste.

Step 10: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional).

Serve maa ki dal hot with rice, naan, or roti. Enjoy your delicious and creamy Punjabi maa ki dal!

Instant Pot Maa Ki Dal

Making Maa ki Dal in an Instant Pot is convenient and time-saving. Here's an Instant Pot Maa ki Dal recipe:

Note: You can skip Step 2 - Step 5, and use homemade Bhuna Masala to make this dal with just 4 simple ingredients. You'll need ¾ cup of homemade Bhuna Masala, soaked Urad dal, water, and salt to taste.

Step 1: Wash the black gram thoroughly and soak them in water for a few hours or overnight.

Step 2: Turn on the Instant Pot and select the "Sauté" function. Heat oil and add cumin seeds. Allow them to splutter.

Step 3: Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they become light golden brown.

Step 4: Add ginger-garlic and chopped green chilies. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the raw smell disappears.

Step 5: Add chopped tomatoes, red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and the oil starts to separate from the masala.

Step 6: Drain the soaked dal and add them to the Instant Pot. Mix well with the masala. Add enough water to cover the dal. Cancel the "Sauté" function. Close the Instant Pot lid and set the vent to the sealing position. Select the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" setting and cook on high pressure for about 20-25 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes.

Step 7: Open the Instant Pot, and mash the dal slightly with the back of the ladle or potato masher. Add the butter to the cooked dal. Mix well and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

Step 8: Add cream (optional) and garam masala. Stir well and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Step 9: Adjust salt and spices according to your taste.

Step 10: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional).

Serve the Instant Pot maa ki dal hot with rice, naan, or roti. Enjoy the rich and flavorful Punjabi dish!

Storage

Store leftover Maa ki Dal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it thoroughly before serving, adding a bit of water if needed to achieve the desired consistency.

Tips For Delicious Maa Ki Dal

Here are some tips to enhance your preparation of Maa ki Dal:

Soaking the Dal: For quicker cooking and better texture, soak the whole black gram for at least 4-6 hours or overnight before cooking.

Instant Pot Time: Adjust the cooking time in the Instant Pot based on the freshness of the dal. Older ones may take a bit longer to cook.

Consistency: If the dal is too thick, you can add more water to achieve your preferred consistency. Conversely, if it's too thin, let it simmer for a bit longer.

Cream and Butter: The richness of the dish comes from cream and butter. Adjust the quantities based on your preference for a creamier or lighter consistency.

Spice Level: Adjust the quantity of green chilies and red chili powder according to your spice tolerance. You can always start with a smaller amount and add more later if needed.

Garnish: Fresh coriander leaves add a burst of freshness. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving for an extra layer of flavor.

Tempering: For added aroma, consider a tempering (tadka) of cumin seeds, garlic, and red chili powder in ghee or oil before serving.

Reheating: When reheating, add a little water to maintain the desired consistency as dal tends to thicken upon cooling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving

Maa ki dal goes very well with roti, rice, or naan. If you love Punjabi dishes, then do try this awesome kali dal recipe. Enjoy this creamy maa di dal, I am sure you and your family are going to love it.

Popular Dal Recipes

Sides Recipes