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A tangy and flavorful lentil curry from Hyderabad, made with toor dal and tamarind. This classic comfort food has a beautifully soupy consistency and is perfect served with hot steamed rice.
For 4 servings
Pressure Cook the Dal
Prepare the Dal Base
Simmer the Dal
Aromatic basmati rice and tender vegetables are layered and slow-cooked to perfection in this classic Hyderabadi dish. Infused with saffron, mint, and fried onions, it's a vegetarian feast for the senses.
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A tangy and flavorful lentil curry from Hyderabad, made with toor dal and tamarind. This classic comfort food has a beautifully soupy consistency and is perfect served with hot steamed rice.
This hyderabadi recipe takes 40 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 249.37 calories per serving with 10.72g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
Combine and Serve
Add vegetables like drumsticks (murungakkai) or bottle gourd (lauki) pieces along with the tomatoes to simmer in the dal for a more wholesome meal.
Use a combination of toor dal and masoor dal (red lentils) for a different texture and quicker cooking time.
Add a small piece of jaggery (about 1 teaspoon, grated) along with the tamarind to create a balanced sweet, sour, and spicy flavor profile, common in some regional variations.
Toor dal is an excellent source of protein, essential for muscle building, tissue repair, and overall body function. It's a fantastic dietary staple for vegetarians and vegans.
The lentils provide a significant amount of dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion, prevents constipation, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels by slowing down sugar absorption.
Spices like turmeric (containing curcumin), garlic, and cumin have powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties that help strengthen the immune system.
This dal is low in saturated fat and is cholesterol-free. The high fiber content also aids in managing cholesterol levels, contributing to better cardiovascular health.
Yes, Khatti Dal is very healthy. It's packed with plant-based protein and dietary fiber from lentils, which aids digestion and keeps you full. The spices like turmeric and garlic offer anti-inflammatory benefits.
One serving (approximately 1 cup or 275g) contains around 280-320 calories, primarily from the lentils and the ghee used in tempering. It's a nutritious and relatively low-calorie meal.
Absolutely. Cook the soaked dal in a deep pot with a lid. It will take longer, about 45-60 minutes, for the dal to become completely soft. You may need to add more water during cooking to maintain the right consistency.
While tamarind gives the authentic 'khatti' (sour) taste, you can substitute it with 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice or 1 teaspoon of amchur (dry mango powder). Add these towards the very end of the cooking process to preserve their flavor.
You can store leftover Khatti Dal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dal tends to thicken upon cooling, so you may need to add a little hot water while reheating.