Patrick Oconnell
Dal is a delicious and comforting dish that can be made with various ingredients, such as lentils, beans, and spices. While dal is traditionally made without cheese, some people enjoy adding a cheesy twist to this classic dish. One popular recipe for a cheesy dal includes split red lentils, crispy fried onions, and melted cheese on top. Another variation is masala cheese dal. For those who want to experiment with different types of cheese, there is also a recipe for urad dal cheese, which uses urad dal (split black gram beans) to create a creamy and musky flavor. Adding cheese to dal can be a great way to indulge and elevate this simple dish, making it even more comforting and delicious.
Is cheese good on dal?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Cheese on dal is considered tasty and comforting. |
| Health | Dal is healthy, but the healthiness depends on how much ghee is added. |
| Vegan-Friendly | Yes, there are vegan cheese options for dal. |
| Customization | Dal can be made as thick or thin as desired. |
| Recipe Availability | There are several recipes for cheesy dal available online. |
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What You'll Learn
Urad dal cheese is an Indian-inspired vegan cheese
Urad dal cheese is an innovative vegan cheese inspired by Indian cuisine and ingredients. This plant-based cheese is a unique creation, utilising urad dal, or split black gram beans, as its base. Urad dal is a staple ingredient in Indian cooking, known for its creamy texture and earthy, savoury flavour. By blending soaked urad dal with water, a creamy, musky base is formed, reminiscent of sheep or goat milk cheeses.
The process of making urad dal cheese draws on traditional cheese-making techniques, aiming for a firm texture similar to Parmesan or Manchego. While the desired firmness may be challenging to achieve, the resulting cheese is still delicious and distinct. The addition of spices and other ingredients can further enhance the flavour and texture of urad dal cheese, making it a versatile and intriguing option for vegan cheese enthusiasts.
One popular variation is Masala White Urad Dal, which incorporates spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and red chilli powder. This version has a creamy texture and an earthy, tangy flavour profile. It is often garnished with fresh coriander, chaat masala, or yoghurt, adding to its complexity. The versatility of urad dal cheese extends to its use in various dishes, including soups, idlis, and dosas.
Urad dal cheese also serves as a foundation for creating vegan versions of popular Indian dishes, such as Dal Makhani. This dish typically includes cream, but vegan substitutes like cashew cream or coconut milk can be used to achieve a rich, indulgent texture without sacrificing flavour. The combination of urad dal, spices, and vegan cream alternatives results in a luxurious and complex dish that rivals its traditional counterpart.
The versatility and flavour of urad dal cheese make it a standout option in the vegan cheese world, offering a unique twist on traditional Indian ingredients and dishes. With its earthy, savoury, and creamy characteristics, urad dal cheese is a testament to the creativity and delicious possibilities of plant-based cheese-making.
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Cheesy dal can be made in a multicooker
Cheesy dal is a delicious and comforting dish and can be made in a multicooker. This recipe is for a tarka dal made with red lentils, a non-traditional addition of cheese, and topped with crispy onions. This recipe was made in a Redmond RMC-M4502E multicooker, which can fry, stew, steam, boil, bake, and slow cook.
To make this recipe, start by placing butter and olive oil in the multicooker and setting it to fry. Add the onions and a pinch of salt, frying until the onions are sticky and golden. Remove the onions and set them aside. Add more oil and the spices to the cooker and cook until fragrant. Add the lentils and cook for another minute.
The dal can be made as thick or thin as you like. For a thicker consistency, scoop it up with naan bread. For a thinner soup-like consistency, add extra stock and eat with a spoon.
Top the dal with the fried onions, cheese, sliced red chillies, and fresh herbs. For an extra twist, fry the onions in coconut oil. This recipe is simple, tasty, and perfect for small kitchens.
For a different type of dal, you can try making dal makhani in a slow cooker. This recipe involves slow-cooking black lentils overnight, then adding spices, tomato puree, and butter, and cooking again for a few hours.
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Dal with melted paneer cheese
Ingredients:
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Salt
- Spices (such as fenugreek, mustard seeds, cumin seeds, chilli flakes, turmeric, coriander, and garam masala powder)
- Split red lentils
- Paneer cheese (30g per person)
- Fresh herbs (such as coriander)
- Red chilli (optional)
Instructions:
Start by placing butter and olive oil in a multicooker and setting it to fry. Add the onions and a generous pinch of salt, stirring frequently for about 20 minutes until the onions are sticky, reduced, and golden. Remove the onions from the pot and set them aside. Add more oil to the pot, along with your desired spices, and cook for a few minutes until fragrant. Then, add the lentils and cook for another minute.
Next, break the desired amount of paneer cheese into small pieces and drizzle with oil. Fry the paneer in a separate pan for about 2 minutes on each side, or until golden. You can also bake the paneer in an oven at 180°C/350°F for a similar duration. Once cooked, the paneer can be added to the dal, along with the fried onions and any desired toppings.
For a crispy onion topping, you can fry the onions in coconut oil. Additionally, you can sprinkle sliced red chillies and fresh herbs like coriander over the dish for extra flavour and garnish.
This dal with melted paneer cheese recipe offers a comforting and indulgent meal that can be enjoyed as a thick stew or a soup, accompanied by naan bread or poppadoms for dunking.
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Masala cheese dal is a tasty variation
Dal is a delicious and comforting dish that is healthy, frugal, and adaptable. While it is usually made without cheese, the addition of cheese creates a tasty variation. Masala cheese dal is one such variation that has received rave reviews from those who have tried it.
To make masala cheese dal, you will need butter, olive oil, onions, salt, spices, and lentils. The process starts by frying the onions in butter and olive oil until they are sticky, reduced, and golden. Then, the spices are added and cooked until fragrant before the lentils are added and cooked for a further minute. Finally, the dish is topped with cheese and served.
The type of cheese used in masala cheese dal can vary according to personal preference. Paneer is a popular choice, as it melts nicely and goes well with the lentils. Other options include white cheese or vegan cheese. The addition of cheese brings a creamy texture and savoury flavour to the dish, enhancing its comfort factor.
To further enhance the flavour and texture of masala cheese dal, it can be served with crispy fried onions, sliced red chillies, and fresh herbs. The dish can also be made as thick or thin as desired by adjusting the amount of stock added. This versatility allows it to be enjoyed as a hearty stew-like dish with naan bread or a soup-like dish with a spoon.
Masala cheese dal offers a delightful blend of spices, creaminess from the cheese, and the hearty goodness of lentils. It is a simple yet indulgent variation of the traditional dal dish, providing a unique and satisfying culinary experience.
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Dal with spinach and white cheese
Ingredients:
- Spinach
- White Cheese (Paneer or Cottage Cheese)
- Legumes (Chickpeas or Lentils)
- Vegetable Oil or Ghee
- Aromatics (Shallots, Ginger, Garlic)
- Spices (Cumin Seeds, Mustard Seeds, Turmeric, Red Chilli, Coriander Seeds, Cardamom Pods, Black Mustard Seeds)
- Salt and Pepper
- Lemon Juice
- Rice or Naan Bread
- Yogurt (optional)
Method:
- Heat some vegetable oil or ghee in a pan. Add aromatics such as shallots, ginger, and garlic, along with spices like cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Fry until fragrant and softened.
- Add your chosen legumes, whether chickpeas or lentils, and cook briefly. Pour in vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and season with salt and pepper.
- In a blender, combine wilted spinach with cottage cheese and a splash of stock from the legume mixture. Blend until smooth and green.
- Pour the spinach and cheese mixture into the legumes, stirring well. Allow the dal to simmer until thickened, about 20 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- In a separate pan, heat vegetable oil or ghee. Add tadka spices, including garlic and red chilli. Fry for a few minutes until the garlic turns light brown.
- When the dal has reached your desired consistency, drizzle the spiced chilli oil over it. Top with fresh coriander and a dollop of yogurt, if desired.
- Serve the dal with rice or naan bread. Enjoy the combination of flavours and textures!
This recipe is a delightful blend of spices, aromatics, and cheese, creating a comforting and indulgent meal. It is a simple way to elevate your everyday lunches or dinners and impress your friends with your culinary skills!
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cheese is a great addition to dal and can make the dish more indulgent and comforting.
Paneer is a delicious option, but any melted cheese will work well. Some recipes also suggest using white cheese or making urad dal cheese.
Urad dal cheese is a vegan cheese made with urad dal, or split black gram beans, which are commonly used in Indian cuisine.
You can top your dal with crispy fried onions, red chilli, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of ghee. You can also add coconut oil for a unique flavor.
A multicooker is a great option for making dal, as it can fry, stew, steam, boil, bake, and slow cook. However, you can also make dal on a stovetop in a pot or pan.
