Gahat Ki Dal: A Traditional and Nutritious Delicacy from Uttarakhand

Gahat ki dal, also known as kulath ki dal or horse gram stew, is a traditional and nutritious delicacy from the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand in India. It is made with gahat, a brown-coloured legume that is rich in protein, fibre, iron, calcium, and antioxidants. In this blog post, we will explore the history, recipe, and health benefits of this delicious dish.

History of Gahat Ki Dal

Gahat ki dal is one of the oldest and most popular dishes of Uttarakhand, a state that is known for its diverse and rich culture and nature. Uttarakhand is home to many ethnic groups, such as the Garhwali, Kumaoni, Jaunsari, Bhotia, and Tharu, who have their own distinct languages, customs, and cuisines. It is a common dish among all these groups, as it is widely grown and consumed in the region.

Gahat ki dal is especially popular during the winter season, as it helps in keeping the body warm and prevent cold and cough. It is also considered a medicinal food, as it has many healing properties. According to Ayurveda, gahat balances the vata (air) and kapha (phlegm) doshas (body types) and cures various ailments such as arthritis, asthma, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and indigestion.

How to Make Gahat Ki Dal

To make gahat ki dal, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup of gahat (horse gram)
• 3 cups of water
• 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of red chilli powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of coriander powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons of oil
• 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
• 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• 1 inch of ginger, finely chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• A pinch of asafoetida (optional)
• A few leaves of gandrain (optional)
• 2 tablespoons of chopped coriander leaves
• 1 tablespoon of ghee (optional)

The steps to make gahat ki dal are as follows:

1. Wash and soak the gahat in enough water overnight or for at least 8 hours.
2. Drain the water and transfer the gahat to a pressure cooker. Add 3 cups of water, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and close the lid.
3. Cook on high flame until the first whistle, then lower the flame and cook for another 3 to 4 whistles or until the gahat is soft and mushy. Turn off the flame and let the pressure release naturally.
4. Heat oil in a kadhai or a deep pan over medium-high flame. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle. Add garlic and ginger and sauté for a few seconds. Add onion and fry until golden brown. Add asafoetida and gandrain if using and fry for another minute.
5. Add the cooked gahat along with its water to the kadhai and bring it to a boil. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until the dal is thick and creamy.
6. Garnish with coriander leaves and ghee if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or roti, along with bhang ki chutney or mooli ka laccha.

Enjoy your gahat ki dal and share your feedback with us in the comments section below!

Health Benefits of Gahat Ki Dal

Gahat ki dal is not only delicious but also has many health benefits. Here are some of the reasons why you should include gahat ki dal in your diet:

• It is a great source of plant-based protein for vegetarians and vegans. One cup of cooked gahat ki dal provides about 22 grams of protein, which is equivalent to the protein content of three eggs or 100 grams of chicken.
• It is rich in fibre, which helps regulate blood sugar levels, lowering cholesterol levels, improve digestion, and prevent constipation. One cup of cooked gahat ki dal provides about 10 grams of fibre, which is about 40% of the recommended daily intake for adults.
• It contains iron, calcium, and antioxidants, which are essential for maintaining healthy bones, blood cells, skin, hair, and immunity. One cup of cooked gahat ki dal provides about 7 milligrams of iron, which is about 39% of the recommended daily intake for men and 19% for women. It also provides about 287 milligrams of calcium, which is about 29% of the recommended daily intake for adults. Moreover, it has phenolic compounds that act as natural antioxidants and protect the body from oxidative stress.
• It aids in weight loss by boosting metabolism and reducing appetite. Gahat has a low glycemic index (GI), which means it does not cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels after consumption. This helps in keeping the energy levels stable and preventing hunger pangs. Gahat also has a high thermic effect of food (TEF), which means it burns more calories during digestion than other foods.

Know More About The Food Of Uttarakhand

Conclusion

Gahat ki dal is a perfect example of how the cuisine of Uttarakhand reflects the simplicity, diversity, and richness of its culture and nature. It is a dish that celebrates the local produce, the traditional wisdom, and the culinary skills of the people of the land of gods. Try it today and enjoy the taste of the Himalayas!

Unknown Benefits Of Amazing Horse Grams (Gahat or Kulthi Dal)