Kali Dal | Punjabi Black Dal (Maa ki Dal)

Name: Kali Dal | Punjabi Black Dal (Maa ki Dal)
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 cup whole black lentils ((sabut urad dal or black gram)); ⅓ cup or 1 medium-sized onion (– chopped); 2 medium tomato (pureed – yields about 1 cup tomato puree); 2 to 3 small to medium garlic cloves (– crushed in a mortar-pestle); 1 inch ginger (– crushed in a mortar-pestle); ½ to 1 teaspoon or 1 green chili (– finely chopped); 1 teaspoon coriander powder ((ground coriander)); ½ teaspoon cumin seeds; ½ teaspoon turmeric powder ((ground turmeric)); ½ teaspoon red chili powder ((or cayenne pepper or paprika)); ¼ teaspoon garam masala; 2 tablespoons oil (or ghee or butter); 3 to 3½ cups water (or add as required); salt (add as required); 1 to 2 tablespoons coriander leaves (– for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Prep:35minCook:25min

Kali Dal, also known as Maa ki Dal or Black Dal, is a traditional Punjabi lentil dish made with whole black gram (sabut urad dal), onions, tomatoes, herbs and spices. This homestyle dal has a creamy, comforting consistency without being overly rich. It can be made with oil for a lighter version or with ghee or butter for a richer taste. Serve it with roti, paratha, naan or steamed rice.

Updated at: Wed, 12 Aug 2026 05:24:46 GMT