Dive into a culinary journey with this vibrant and healthy Indian recipe combining the nutritional powerhouse of Kulthi Dal (horse gram dal) with the delightful taste of stuffed Bhindi (okra). This dish offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors – the creamy, earthy Kulthi Dal complements the tender, subtly spiced stuffed Bhindi beautifully. It's a wholesome and satisfying meal, ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner or a flavorful addition to your weekend spread. The unique combination provides a wealth of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a healthy and delicious choice for the entire family.
Beyond its nutritional benefits, this recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare, even for those new to Indian cooking. The simple yet flavorful spices elevate the natural tastes of the ingredients without overwhelming the palate. Ready to experience the magic of Kulthi Dal and Stuffed Bhindi? Let's embark on the step-by-step process to create this delicious and nutritious meal together.
Tools Needed
- Cooker
- Pan
- Mixer
- Whisk
Ingredients
- Kulthi Dal (Horse Gram): 3-4 cups
- Onion: 1
- Tomatoes: 2
- Turmeric Powder: 0.5 teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Coriander Powder: 0.5 teaspoon
- Ghee: 0.5 teaspoon
- Water: 3 cups
- Peanuts: 2-3 tablespoons
- White Sesame Seeds: 1 teaspoon
- Desiccated Coconut: 2-3 teaspoons
- Coriander Powder (for stuffing): 1 teaspoon
- Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder: 0.5 teaspoon
- Dried Mango Powder (Amchur): 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric Powder (for stuffing): 1/4 teaspoon
- Asafoetida (Hing): 2-3 pinches
- Garlic (optional): 2-3 cloves
- Lemon Juice: null
- Jaggery (optional): null
- Ladyfingers (Bhindi): null
- Mustard Oil: 1-2 spoons
- Cumin Seeds: null
- Bay Leaves: null
- Dried Red Chilli: null
- Green Chilli: null
- Ginger: some
- Coriander Leaves (for garnish): lots
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Preparing the Kulthi Dal
- Soak Kulthi dal in water for 3-4 hours .
- Wash Kulthi dal. You can fry it in a pan until light brown .
- Grind the dal coarsely .
- In a cooker, add the washed dal, chopped onion and tomatoes, turmeric powder, salt, and coriander powder .
- Add 3 cups of water and 0.5 teaspoon of ghee .
- Cook on medium flame till 3-4 whistles . If soaked and not coarsely ground, cook till 5-6 whistles .
- Remove tomato peels from the cooked dal and stir with a whisk .
Step 2. Making the Bhindi Stuffing
- Cut ladyfingers in half lengthwise, and slit in the center .
- Fry peanuts, sesame seeds, and desiccated coconut until light golden .
- Grind the fried mixture with coriander powder, Kashmiri red chilli powder, dried mango powder, turmeric powder, salt, asafoetida, and optional garlic .
- Add lemon juice to the stuffing for binding .
- Stuff the ladyfingers with the prepared mixture .
Step 3. Cooking the Stuffed Bhindi
- Heat mustard oil in a pan and sauté the stuffed ladyfingers until cooked .
Step 4. Finishing and Serving
- Heat mustard oil, add cumin seeds, bay leaves, dried red chilli, green chilli, garlic, and asafoetida .
- Add chopped tomatoes, ginger, red chilli powder, and turmeric powder. Sauté .
- Add the cooked dal and simmer for 4-5 minutes .
- Garnish with chopped coriander .
Read more: Vegan Carrot Halwa: Easy Indian Dessert Recipe
Tips
- For weight loss, eat this dal once a week .
- This dal is a good remedy for joint pain .
- Kulthi dal is also beneficial for kidney stones .
- It tastes better with rice or brown rice .
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute another type of dal for Kulthi Dal?
While Kulthi Dal provides a unique flavor and texture, you can experiment with Toor Dal (pigeon pea) or Masoor Dal (red lentil) as substitutes. However, the taste will differ slightly.
2. How can I make this recipe spicier or milder?
Adjust the amount of chili powder or green chilies according to your preference. For a milder version, omit the chilies altogether. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
This Kulthi Dal and Stuffed Bhindi recipe offers a delicious and nutritious meal that's surprisingly easy to make. The combination of earthy dal and flavorful stuffed okra creates a satisfying and balanced dish, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this healthy and flavorful addition to your culinary repertoire!