Second in the Indian States is the Awadhi Cuisine from Uttar Pradesh. Awadhi cuisine is known for its rich food. The Mughal cooking style influences this cuisine and it has many similarities to Kashmir, Punjab, and Hyderabad cooking.
Reading about this cuisine, I realized the many dishes that are commonly found in other states as well, namely Hyderabad and Punjab. Ever since Vaishali posted here Awadhi Cuisine, I have been wanting to make it. Unfortunately, I have already made some of them on different occasions, so I couldn't reproduce the entire thali here.
And of course, I can't beat her presentation and setup..:)
I was tempted more when Rajani had made a similar spread herself inspired by Vaishali. So with the less time I had on hand, I simply landed in both their spaces and religiously followed the recipes, making my own changes in the process.
I decided to make this thali on a Sunday and unfortunately, Hubby dear had work and was not at home. I was almost giving up when I came to know my cousin was visiting my Parents and Amma was planning to make Vegetarian food. I said I will take care of the Vegetarian and I was so glad I had people to feed.
With the usual Sunday Breakfast preparation, I was delayed, and by the time I got down making this menu, it was 11.30. I was so dead tired and tensed as I didn't want them waiting. I managed to get all the dishes done by 1.30 and I didn't have the energy to even click. On top I had to feed my kids, though the food was so much appreciated, I decided never to tax myself with so little time on hand!
This is again adapted from Vaishali.
Sultana Daal
Ingredients
Toor Dal - 1/2 cup
Bay Leaf - 1
Garlic - 6 cloves
Green chilies - 2
Red chili powder 1 tsp
Cumin Seeds -1 1/2 tsp
Garam Masala
Salt to taste
Curds
Cream - 250 ml
Milk - 1/2 cup
A few strands of saffron dissolved in milk
How to make the Sultani Dal
Wash and pressure dal till mushy.
Whisk the curd and mix cream and milk together in a bowl.
Heat a Kadai with oil, add bay leaf, then add the cream mixture. Mix and then add the dal
Next add the green chili, red chili powder, salt, and garam masala. Cook for 8-10 minutes.
Temper it with chopped garlic and cumin seeds.
Garnish with coriander leaves.
This is part of the Awadhi Thali
This recipe requires coal and betel leaf on which ghee is poured. The coal is removed after a few mins. I skipped this step. I think the smoky effect of the coal will be missed if you skip it. However, the dal was very much liked as such because it was so creamy and rich.
Recipe
Sultani Dal ~ Uttar Pradesh Awadhi Thali
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Toor Dal
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 6 cloves Garlic
- 2 Green Chillies
- 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder
- 1 & 1/2 tsp Cumin Seeds
- Garam Masala
- Salt to taste
- Curds
- 250 ml Cream
- 1/2 cup Milk
- Few strands Saffron (dissolved in milk)
Instructions
How to make the Sultani Dal
- Wash and pressure dal till mushy.
- Whisk the curd and mix cream and milk together in a bowl.
- Heat a kadai with cooking oil, add bay leaf, then add the cream mixture. Mix and then add the dal.
- Next, add the green chili, red chili powder, salt, and garam masala. Cook for 8 - 10 minutes.
- Temper it with chopped garlic and cumin seeds.
- Garnish with coriander leaves.
Usha says
Addition cream justifies the name. 🙂
Sapana Behl says
That is one tempting thali.All the dishes looks delicious.
vaishali sabnani says
Valli , so happy that you guys enjoyed the food . Thalis are tiresome but somehow I love and enjoy making them . If tou plan ahead , they will not tire you , but i guess everyday something new comes up !
All said and done this thali looks really nice and I can see the effort going in there.
Nivedhanams Sowmya says
the thali is looking superr!!! wow so much effort valli..
Padma Rekha says
Wow Valli one of my favorite cuisine and thali looks so inviting...
sneha datar says
I am sure your guest must have enjoyed the Dal. Looks stunning.
Srividhya says
wow cream and curd in one dish..? great
The Pumpkin Farm says
this thali looks very very inviting , nicely presented and the colors are neatly mingling with each other...dal recipe is simple but looks delicious
Harini-Jaya R says
Very rich and definitely befits the sultan 🙂 The cream in there definitely adds taste.
Sandhiya says
Each dish in the thali looks tempting..Wonderfully presented..Dal looks very creamy.
Pavani N says
Wow, what a rich, creamy and delicious looking dal.
Archana Potdar says
I love to add milk to my dal and this one sure will find its way in my place.
Suma Gandlur says
I made a Nawabi dal with milk. The curd & cream addition must make this more delicious and rich.
Padmajha PJ says
How did you manage to cook in feast in such a short time!!!I would never attempt anything like this for sure!!
And the dal recipe sounds interesting.Wondering how it will taste....
Chef Mireille says
I got tired just reading how you did all this in such short time