Maa Ki Dal — A Recipe in Her Honour 🌸

Some recipes aren't just food. They're a memory you can taste. This Mother's Day, we're sharing a tribute to the dish that defined home for millions of us — Maa Ki Dal.

Why Maa Ki Dal?

Ask anyone what their mother's signature dish is, and nine times out of ten, it's a dal. Slow-cooked, deeply spiced, ladled with love. No two are exactly alike — every mother has her own touch, her own timing, her own secret. This recipe is our version, built around the bold, authentic flavours of Phoran Masala.

🫘 Maa Ki Dal (Slow-Cooked Black Lentils)

Serves: 4–6  |  Prep Time: 15 mins  |  Cook Time: 45–60 mins

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole black urad dal (sabut urad), soaked overnight
• ¼ cup rajma (kidney beans), soaked overnight
• 3 tbsp butter or ghee
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• ½ cup fresh cream
• Salt to taste

Phoran Masala Spices:

• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp Phoran Masala Garam Masala
• 1 tsp Phoran Masala Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp coriander powder

Method

1. Pressure cook the soaked dal and rajma with salt and turmeric for 6–8 whistles until completely soft. Mash lightly.
2. Make the masala: Heat butter/ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add onions and cook until golden brown.
3. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add tomato puree and cook until the oil separates — about 8–10 minutes.
4. Add Kashmiri red chilli powder and coriander powder. Stir well.
5. Combine: Add the cooked dal to the masala. Mix well and simmer on low heat for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer it gets.
6. Stir in fresh cream and Phoran Masala Garam Masala. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
7. Finish: Top with a knob of butter and a swirl of cream. Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.

💛 Maa's Tip

"The secret is patience. Let it cook slow. Let the flavours talk to each other."

Make It Special This Mother's Day

Cook this for her. Set the table. Let her be the guest for once.

And if you want your dal to taste exactly like hers — start with the right masala.

👉 Shop Phoran Masala Spices — crafted for recipes like this one.

Use code MOTHERS20 for 20% off your order this Mother's Day.

More Mother's Day Reading

• Maa Ke Haath ka Khana — The Magic That No Recipe Can Capture
• Celebrate Mother's Day with Phoran Masala – Special 20% Off
• More Stories from Our Kitchen