Sensational Gahat Ki Dal

Jumpstart your taste buds with 'Gahat Ki Dal,' a dish that has been served in the regal hills of Uttarakhand for generations. This classic dish captures the soul of the area, while also providing a tasty window into local life.Uttarakhand, a state in India that is home to the Himalayas, is renowned for its cuisine that reflects the region's close relationship with nature. The horse gramme lentil dish known as 'Gahat Ki Dal' has been popular for centuries. These nutritious lentils have been cooked to perfection with a blend of spices that enhances their already robust flavour.
br>Gahat ki dal is more than simply a delicious meal; it's also a taste of home and the strength of the people who live there. This dal has been a staple in many families' diets for years, and its simple ingredients and complex flavours attest to this fact.

• Origin: Uttarakhand, India
• Category: Gahat Ki Dal is a Pahari Vegetarian Main Dish which is considered Main Course
• Ingredient: Horse Gram, Spices are treated as main ingredients for this recipe. Other ingredients used are Asafoetida, Ghee, Coriander
• Time and Flavour: This recipe takes approx 1-2 hours and the flavour is Earthy and Spicy
• Nutritional Information: Gahat Ki Dal contains 110 kcal calories per 100 g serving. This serving contains 2 g of fat, 7 g of protein and 20 g of carbohydrate. The latter is 2 g sugar and 5 g of dietary fiber, the rest is other nutritional component. [ These values may vary based on ingredients used and its quantity ]

Photo Credit: AboutUttarakhand.com

'Gahat Ki Dal’ is a traditional and wholesome Pahari dish originating from the hilly regions of India, particularly Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. This dish highlights the use of horse gram, a nutrient-rich legume that is well-suited to the local terrain. To prepare Gahat Ki Dal, horse gram is soaked and then cooked until tender. The cooked lentils are then flavored with a medley of spices, including cumin, coriander, red chili, and asafoetida. Local herbs and aromatics like ginger and garlic further enhance the flavor profile. The result is a thick and hearty lentil preparation with a distinct earthy taste.

Gahat Ki Dal is not only known for its taste but also its nutritional value. Horse gram is rich in protein, dietary fiber, and minerals, making the dish both flavorful and nourishing. It’s often enjoyed with steamed rice or traditional Pahari flatbreads like 'Baadi.’ This dish is a reflection of Pahari cuisine’s resourcefulness, as it utilizes an indigenous legume to create a dish that’s not only satisfying but also offers a connection to the local culture and environment. Gahat Ki Dal embodies the essence of simplicity, comfort, and tradition that defines the culinary heritage of the region.

• Horse Gram [ गहत दाल ], 1 Cup
  → Soaked Overnight.
• Onion [ प्याज़ ], 1 Piece
  → Finely Chopped.
• Tomato [ टमाटर ], 2 Pieces
  → Finely Chopped.
• Green Chili [ हरी मिर्च ], 1 Piece
  → Slit.
• Ginger-Garlic Paste [ अदरक लहसुन का पेस्ट ], 1 Tablespoon
  
• Cumin Seeds [ जीरा ], 1 Tablespoon
  
• Mustard Seeds [ सरसों के बीज ], 1 Tablespoon
  
• Asafoetida [ हींग ], 1/2 Tablespoon
  
• Turmeric Powder [ हल्दी चूर्ण ], 1/2 Tablespoon
  
• Red Chili Powder [ लाल मिर्च चूर्ण ], 1 Piece
  → Adjust To Taste.
• Salt [ नमक ], As desired
  
• Water [ पानी ], As desired
  
• Clarified Butter [ घी ], 2 Pieces
  
• Coriander Leaves [ धनिया पत्ता ], A few Grams
  → Fresh. To Be Used For Garnishing.

.

• Soak the horse gram, then drain and rinse it.
• Put it in a pressure cooker with enough water and cook until soft, which usually takes 4-5 whistles on medium heat. Set aside.
• Heat up ghee or oil in a deep pan or kadhai over medium heat, then add cumin and mustard seeds.
• When they start to splutter, add asafoetida (hing) and sauté for a few seconds. Lastly, add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
• Mix ginger-garlic paste and green chili together and cook for a minute until the raw smell is gone.
• Next, add tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes are soft.
• Then, add cooked horse gram (gahat) to the pan and combine with the masala. Add water to adjust its consistency as needed.
• Let it boil gently and simmer for a few minutes.
• To finish, garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving hot with steamed rice or roti.

• Horse gram is a nutrient-rich legume containing protein, fiber, iron, calcium, and magnesium. Eating it may help with weight loss, digestion, and controlling blood sugar.
• It also has no fat or cholesterol, so it’s a great choice for those trying to lose weight or manage their cardiovascular health.
• Additionally, horse gram is thought to have diuretic properties which can help flush toxins from the body and keep your kidneys functioning properly.
• Horse gram is thought to have expectorant properties, making it a good choice for people with respiratory problems. It can help relieve coughs and congestion.
• The spices used in the dal, such as cumin, mustard seeds and turmeric, also provide health benefits like aiding digestion, reducing inflammation and increasing immunity.

Although these components may offer some health benefits, it's crucial to keep in mind that everyone's experience may vary, and they must be consumed in moderation as a part of a balanced diet. If you have any specific health issues or concerns, it's recommended to speak with a healthcare provider.

In conclusion, the Pahari dish Gahat Ki Dal exemplifies the intrinsic connection between food, culture, and the natural world. This dal, made from the nutrient-rich horse gramme and enhanced with a variety of traditional spices, is a perfect example of the balance of simplicity and richness that characterises Pahari cooking. The skillful blending of ingredients and methods that goes into its preparation does more than just stave off hunger; it brings with it the echoes of knowledge passed down through the ages. Gahat ki dal is more than just a dish; it symbolises the Pahari people's deep roots in the earth and their highland way of life. We are reminded that the most essential nourishment can come from the unlikeliest of places by the dish's earthy flavours and hearty texture. Gahat Ki Dal gives you a look into the heart of a community that has cared for its people and its cuisine for generations with every bite.