Pahadi Bhatt

Pahadi Bhatt Dal - A Traditional Dish of Uttarakhand India

Throughout India, there is an abundance of unique, delicious and nutritious food. However, few compare to the traditional dish of Pahadi Bhatt Dal, a staple for the people of Uttarakhand, a state located in the Northern Himalayan region of India. This dish is not only immensely flavourful but also nutritious and made with simple ingredients.

The Background

Uttarakhand is surrounded by the grand Himalayas and boasts a high degree of religious significance. It is renowned for its deep religious and spiritual roots, as well as its stunningly beautiful nature with snow-capped peaks, intriguing road trips and trails, and an abundance of fauna and flora. Unfortunately, due to its remote location, most of the Indian palate is not aware of the regional specialty that it also has to offer: delicious, nutritious, and simple Pahadi Bhatt Dal.

What Is Pahadi Bhatt Dal?

Pahadi Bhatt Dal is a special kind of dal which is found in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand. It is made from black lentils, which are then boiled and mashed to get a thick, creamy texture and then tempered with cumin seeds, garlic, and other spices. This tempering gives the dish its distinct flavor and makes it a perfect accompaniment to steamed rice or flatbreads like roti, paratha, or naan. Another version of this dal is made with green mung beans instead of black lentils.

The Health Benefits

Lentils are known to be a powerhouse of nutrition. They are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Not only do they provide a great source of vegetarian protein, but they also contain high levels of dietary fiber, which help to keep the digestive system healthy. The addition of masala to the cooked lentils make Pahadi Bhatt Dal an incredibly nutritious and healthy meal that can help to boost your immune system.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Pahadi Bhatt Dal only takes a few simple steps and ingredients to prepare. All that is needed is black lentils, spices, vegetables, and some oil. The black lentils are first soaked overnight, and then boiled until completely soft. The vegetables or other ingredients of your choice are usually added later, once the lentils are fully cooked. The onions, vegetables, and spices are then sautéed together in a pan with some oil. This tempering gives the dish its unique flavor and aroma dish is usually done in 20-30 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Pahadi Bhatt Dal is usually served with steamed rice and a dollop of ghee (clarified butter) or butter. It can also be served with roti, paratha, or naan. The lentil-based dish can easily be transformed into a vegan and gluten-free meal with the addition of coconut milk instead of ghee or butter.

Other Regional Specialties From Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand offers many other regional specialties, such as Aloo Vadi, which is a spicy potato dish topped with coriander, curry leaves, mustard seeds, and other spices. Then there is Phingade, a dish made with mashed potatoes and boiled peas, and Raita, a yoghurt-based dish often served with steamed rice.

If you are looking for something sweet, then Gulabjamun from Uttarakhand is a must-try. It is an Indian dessert made from khoya (mawa) and maida (all-purpose flour), fried and then soaked in sugar syrup.

Conclusion

Pahadi Bhatt Dal is just one of the many delicious regional state of Uttarakhand. It is a simple yet delicious dish made with black lentils and an array of spices, and is packed full of nutrition. With its unique flavor and nutritious ingredients, it is a must-try for anyone visiting Uttarakhand or looking to try out traditional Indian dishes.