What is ‘Panchmel Dal’?
It is a mixture of five lentils – arhar (toor) dal, green moong dal, split urad dal (Split Black Urad), yellow moong dal, and the masoor dal (the pink lentil). The word ‘panch’ in Hindi means – five. And the word ‘mel’ means a mix. Hence, the name ‘panchmel’ literally translates to ‘mix of five’. You can mix all lentils in equal parts at home. Or use the readymade mix of these five lentils easily available in Indian grocery stores and supermarkets.
How To Make
I make panchratan dal without onion and garlic. It is a fuss-free dal recipe and requires minimal preparation work. Step 1) Mix all five lentils in a bowl. Wash and rinse lentils with water. Soak in water for 1 – 2 hours. Step 2) Drain water from the dal. Add soaked dal in a pressure cooker along with chopped tomato, ginger, green chili, turmeric, salt, and 4 Cups of water. Step 3) Pressure cook the dal over medium heat for 3 whistles or 10 – 15 minutes. Allow the steam to release naturally from the pressure cooker. Step 4) Open the lid of the pressure cooker and gently mash the dal using the back of the ladle. Add 1 cup more water if the dal seems too thick. Step 5) To prepare tempering, heat ghee in a kadhai. Add cumin seeds, red chilli, and asafoetida. Fry for 10 – 20 seconds to release the aroma of the spices. Step 6) Add boiled dal over the tempering. Be careful as dal might bubble and splutter. Stir to mix evenly. Keep the gas flame between medium-high. Step 7) Add red chili powder, mango powder, coriander powder, and a teaspoon of Garam Masala. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning according to taste. Simmer dal for 5 – 6 minutes over low heat. Turn off the heat. Garnish panchmel dal with chopped coriander.
Serving Suggestion
In Rajasthani Cuisine, panchmel dal is served with bati, churma, and Kadhi as a part of the traditional Rajasthani thali meal. The authentic Rajasthani Panchratan Dal is spicy, rich, full of flavors, and cooked in pure ghee. You can serve Panchmel Dal with: Chapati or Paratha basmati rice, or jeera rice Rajasthani Bati & Churma
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