Per thebetterindia.com, lentil or daal recipes date as far back as 303 BC. A popular meal with the Mughals, urad daal, known as “Masha” in Ayurvedic medicine, was often featured on the menu in Shah Jahan’s court and favored over meat by the vegetarian Aurangzeb. With its delicious taste, numerous health benefits, and this quick and easy recipe, mash ki daal is frequently on my weekly menu. Appetizing when eaten on its own, I also love it as a side with some chicken salan, karahi chicken, or beef kofta (meatball curry).
Why you’ll love this recipe
Simple recipe - This Mash ki daal recipe has easy-to-source ingredients and is straightforward, with very simple steps. Perfectly cooked lentils - With a recipe that’s been tested to perfection, there’s no need to worry about mushy and slimy lentils. Perfect Vegetarian & Vegan recipe - This is a great meal option for vegetarians and vegans. Numerous Health Benefits - Urad dal helps with weight loss through its high fiber and protein content and skin, hair, and heart health through the many vitamins and minerals it contains.
Ingredient notes
Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete list of ingredients with measurements plus recipe instructions.
Substitutions & variations
Cook a dhaba style Mash ki daal - Dhaba style Mash ki daal is a version of this recipe that mimics how these lentils are prepared at roadside cafes and street stalls. Cooked like a curry with an onion tomato base, the lentils are still al dente but are coated in a light gravy. Add some spinach to your Urad daal - Another variation of mash ki daal is cooked with a handful of spinach for a nutritious variation. Try ghee or butter as a fat - Using Ghee instead of regular cooking oil gives the daal a nice nutty flavor. Some people also like to add a small dab of butter at the end for a delicious finish. Switch up the garnish - A sprinkle of garam masala, amchur powder, chaat masala, and dried fenugreek or fresh fenugreek microgreens are all nice additions or variations as a garnish for the daal.
Step-by-step instructions
I’ve spent a fair amount of time perfecting this recipe. If you stick to the steps outlined below and ensure not to add too much water, your Mash ki daal will come out perfect!
Expert Tips
For more Pakistani recipes like this, check out 20 popular Pakistani recipes. If you decide to try this recipe, Please don’t forget to leave a rating and comment below! If you take a picture then tag me on Instagram! Thank You!
