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
