🍲 Punjabi Dhaba Dal Recipe – Authentic North Indian Comfort Food

Punjabi Dhaba Dal is one of the most iconic North Indian lentil dishes, served at roadside dhabas across India. It is a rich, flavorful, and hearty combination of whole urad dal (black gram) and chana dal (split Bengal gram), slow-cooked with onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and Indian spices. The magic lies in the smoky tadka (tempering) made with ghee, cumin, garlic, and dry red chilies, which gives it that authentic dhaba style taste.

Whether paired with tandoori roti, naan, paratha, or jeera rice, this Punjabi Dal Fry is the ultimate comfort food that’s simple yet deeply satisfying.

🛒 Ingredients for Punjabi Dhaba Dal (Serves 4–5)

For the Dal

• Whole urad dal (black gram) – ½ cup

• Chana dal (split Bengal gram) – ½ cup

• Water – 4 cups

• Onion – 2 medium, finely chopped

• Tomato – 2 medium, finely chopped

• Green chilies – 2, slit

• Ginger – 1-inch piece, grated

• Garlic – 6 cloves, minced

• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

• Red chili powder – 1 tsp

• Coriander powder – 1 tsp

• Garam masala – ½ tsp

• Salt – to taste

For the Tadka (Tempering)

• Ghee – 3 tbsp

• Cumin seeds – 1 tsp

• Dry red chilies – 2

• Asafoetida (hing) – a pinch

• Garlic – 3 cloves, sliced

• Red chili powder – ½ tsp

• Fresh coriander leaves – 2 tbsp, chopped

🍳 Step-by-Step Preparation – Punjabi Dhaba Dal Recipe

Step 1 – Soak & Cook the Dal

1. Wash urad dal and chana dal thoroughly and soak in water for 30 minutes.

2. Drain and transfer to a pressure cooker with 4 cups of water, turmeric, and salt.

3. Cook for 5–6 whistles on medium flame until soft.

4. Mash lightly for a creamy texture, but keep some dal whole for that authentic dhaba feel.

Step 2 – Prepare the Masala Base

1. Heat 1 tbsp ghee in a pan.

2. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

3. Add ginger, garlic, and green chilies—cook for a minute.

4. Add tomatoes, red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala.

5. Cook until the masala releases oil from the sides.

Step 3 – Combine Dal & Masala

1. Add the cooked dal to the masala mixture.

2. Mix well and adjust the water to get your desired consistency.

3. Simmer on low flame for 10–15 minutes so the flavors blend beautifully.

Step 4 – Make the Authentic Dhaba Tadka

1. In a small tadka pan, heat 2 tbsp ghee.

2. Add cumin seeds, dry red chilies, sliced garlic, and a pinch of hing.

3. Once the garlic turns golden, switch off the flame and add red chili powder.

4. Pour this sizzling tadka over the dal just before serving.

Step 5 – Garnish & Serve

• Mix gently and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

• Serve hot with tandoori roti, butter naan, lachha paratha, or jeera rice.

🍛 Serving Suggestions

• Dhaba Style: Pair with raw onion salad, lemon wedges, and green chili pickle.

• Restaurant Style: Serve with butter naan and a dollop of cream on top.

• Home Style: Eat with steamed rice and papad for a comfort meal.

📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – approx.)

💡 Tips for the Best Punjabi Dhaba Dal

• Always use ghee for the tadka—it’s the secret to dhaba flavor.

• For an authentic smoky taste, place a small piece of hot charcoal in a steel bowl, keep it inside the dal pot, add ghee on top, and cover for 2 minutes.

• Slow cooking the dal for longer enhances its creaminess and flavor.

• If you like it spicy, increase green chilies and red chili powder.

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Punjabi Dhaba Dal Recipe

• Rich & creamy with the goodness of lentils

• Authentic dhaba-style flavor right at home

• Protein-packed & healthy for vegetarians

• Perfect comfort food for any meal of the day

📍 Location & Origin

• Cuisine: Punjabi / North Indian

• Region: Punjab & Northern Highway Dhabas

• Best Served With: Tandoori roti, butter naan, jeera rice, plain rice, lachha paratha

History & Background:
Punjabi Dhaba Dal originated in roadside eateries (dhabas) along highways in Punjab and Haryana. Truck drivers and travelers would stop for a hearty, affordable meal. The dal was slow-cooked for hours on wood-fired stoves, giving it a deep, smoky flavor. Over the years, it became a signature dish of Punjabi cuisine, now served in restaurants across India and abroad.

Interesting Facts :-
This Punjabi Dhaba Dal is the heart of roadside Punjabi cuisine—comforting, flavorful, and soul-satisfying. Whether you enjoy it with buttery naan on a winter night or with steamed rice for a simple lunch, it will transport you straight to a highway dhaba in Punjab.