Vibrant Mixed Bhaddu Dal

Take your taste buds on a trip to the beautiful hills of Uttarakhand, where the local speciality 'Mixed Bhaddu Dal' combines traditional flavours with a modern twist. This beloved meal exemplifies the variety of flavours and textures found in regional cuisine.Set in the peaceful mountains of Uttarakhand, the 'Mixed Bhaddu Dal' is a delicious example of the ingenuity and imagination of the local chefs. This dish makes use of the wide variety of lentils that can be found in the area, including Gahat, Arhar, Urad, and Moong, to create a delicious and nutritious meal.

Enjoying a bowl of 'Mixed Bhaddu Dal' is more than just eating a meal; it's experiencing the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the people of Uttarakhand. This meal is more than just a tasty treat; its harmonious blend of lentils is symbolic of the communal spirit that characterises the region.

• Origin: Uttarakhand, India
• Category: Mixed Bhaddu Dal is a Pahari Vegetarian Side Dish which is considered Main Course
• Ingredient: Mixed Lentils, Spices are treated as main ingredients for this recipe. Other ingredients used are Ghee, Asafoetida, Spices
• Time and Flavour: This recipe takes approx 1-2 hours and the flavour is Mildly Spiced
• Nutritional Information: Mixed Bhaddu 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

'Mixed Bhaddu Dal’ is a traditional Pahari dish originating from the hilly regions of India, particularly Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. This dish is a flavorful combination of various lentils, showcasing the diversity of legumes used in Pahari cuisine. To prepare Mixed Bhaddu Dal, a mixture of different lentils, such as moong dal (green gram), urad dal (black gram), masoor dal (red lentil), and chana dal (split chickpeas) is used. The lentils are soaked and then cooked until tender. The cooked lentils are seasoned with a blend of spices, which can include cumin, turmeric, asafoetida, and red chili.

The result is a hearty and protein-rich dal with a combination of textures and flavors from the different lentils. The dish is typically garnished with fresh coriander leaves for added freshness. Mixed Bhaddu Dal represents the resourcefulness of Pahari cooking, as it combines various legumes to create a wholesome and nutritious dish. It’s often enjoyed with steamed rice or local flatbreads like 'Baadi.’ This dish not only reflects the region’s culinary diversity but also captures the essence of Pahari culture by valuing simplicity, nutrition, and the use of locally available ingredients.

• Split Green Gram [ मूंग दाल ], 1 Cup
  
• Black Gram Split [ उड़द दाल छिलका ], 1/2 Cup
  
• Kidney Beans [ राजमा ], 1/4 Cup
  
• Garlic Cloves [ लहसुन की पुठ्ठी ], 4-5 Pieces
  → Minced.
• Ginger [ अदरक ], 2 Tablespoons
  → Freshly Grated.
• Green Chili [ हरी मिर्च ], 2 Pieces
  → Finely Chopped.
• Curry Leaves [ कढ़ी पत्ता ], 6-8 Pieces
  
• Lemon Juice [ नींबू का रस ], 1/2 Piece
  
• Cumin Powder [ जीरा चूर्ण ], 2 Tablespoons
  
• Coriander Powder [ धनिया चूर्ण ], 1 Tablespoon
  
• Turmeric Powder [ हल्दी चूर्ण ], 1 Tablespoon
  
• Hot Spice [ गरम मसाला ], 1/2 Tablespoon
  
• Salt [ नमक ], As desired
  
• Mustard Oil [ सरसों का तेल ], 2-3 Tablespoons
  → Use Any Oil Of Your Choice.

.

• Thoroughly rinse all the lentils and soak them for at least 30 minutes in water. Drain, then set apart.
• In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger, and cook for about 3 minutes, or until fragrant. Cook for a further minute while continually stirring, until the spices are fragrant, then add the cumin, coriander, turmeric, chilies, and curry leaves.
• Add the drained lentils and four cups of water, or just enough to cover them completely and an extra inch, and stir. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the lentils are soft but not mushy, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• While cooking, if more water is required, add it. Remove from heat when finished and allow alone for 10 minutes before serving. If desired, add lime juice and salt to taste.

• Due to the five different varieties of legumes that make up Mixed Bhaddu Dal—Chickpeas, Kidney Beans, Mung Beans, Black Gram (Split Urad Dal), and Green Moong Dal (Split Mung Beans)—it has several health advantages.
• Bhaddu dal, which is high in protein and dietary fibre, aids in digestion and lowers cholesterol levels.
• Due to the presence of glucosamine, which aids in joint repair, it is also believed to lessen joint discomfort.
• It also has significant quantities of phosphorus, which support healthy bones and teeth.
• The iron in this plate encourages the creation of healthy red blood cells, and the copper functions as an antioxidant to support the immune system.
• This abundant supply of carbs is also crucial for any diet plan because it gives you the endurance energy you need for workouts or physical activities.

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 'Mixed Bhaddu Dal' is a gastronomic tribute to the region's complex tapestry of flavours and its adeptness in mixing disparate parts into a harmonic whole. Like the Pahari people, this dish is painstakingly made from various lentils and seasoned with aromatic spices. Cooking expertise is on display as lentils and spices are expertly combined to create a dish that delights the senses. More than just a tasty dish, 'Mixed Bhaddu Dal' represents the welcoming spirit of shared dishs via its celebration of ethnic diversity. A cuisine that is more than a combination of ingredients but also a combination of customs and stories, it tells the story of a community that embraces its uniqueness with every bite. Pahari culture is encapsulated in the savoury dish known as 'Mixed Bhaddu Dal,' which has been passed down from generation to generation and serves as a link between Pahari history and modern life.