Black urad dal (black gram) is rich in protein, iron, folic acid and fibre, which aids digestion. More important, it’s a good source of calcium, which helps children develop healthy teeth and bones. Try out these easy-to-cook black gram recipes: writes Khushboo Nehaal Jashnani

BLACK URAD DAL RICE PORRIDGE

Ingredients
• 4 tbsp black urad dal
• 2 tbsp rice
• ½ tsp fenugreek seeds (methi)

Preparation guide
• Dry roast all three ingredients separately.
• Let them cool.
• Transfer into a grinder.
• Grind into fine powder.
• Sieve it to get a finer texture.
• This porridge powder can be stored in an air-tight container for 2-3 months.
• Mix 3 tbsp powder with three cups of water and boil, stirring constantly, until thick
• Serve hot.

BLACK DAL HALWA

Ingredients
• 1 cup raw rice
• ½ cup black dal
• 1 cup jaggery
• ½ tsp cardamom powder
• 3 tbsp grated coconut
• ¼ cup fenugreek seeds (methi)
• ¼ cup gingelly oil
• A pinch of salt

Preparation guide
• Soak raw rice, black dal and methi seeds in water for six hours.
• Boil 1½ cup of water, add jaggery, and stir until it dissolves completely. Cook over medium flame until thick.
• Cool, strain and set aside.
• Grind soaked ingredients with little water to make a fine paste.
• Add cardamom powder and coconut to the paste and grind again.
• Transfer paste into a heavy bottomed vessel, add gingelly oil, jaggery water extract and a pinch of salt.
• Mix well. Ensure no lumps are formed.
• Keep stirring continuously. Drizzle oil to ensure the mixture doesn’t stick or get burnt.
• Cook until thick.
• Roll and leave to dry. Cut into pieces.
• Decorate with dry fruits and serve.

BLACK URAD DAL DOSA

Ingredients
• 2 cups idli rice
• ¾ cup split black urad dal
• ½ tsp fenugreek seeds (methi)
• Salt to taste

Preparation guide
• Wash and soak rice for 3-4 hours
• Soak dal and methi seeds for 3-4 hours
• Grind rice and set aside.
• Grind dal and methi seeds.
• Mix the two, and add salt.
• Let the batter ferment overnight.
• In the morning, stir well, and spread on a non-stick pan to make nutritious dosas.
• You can also make idli from this batter