Authentic Dhaba-Style Butter Dal with Smoky Tandoori Roti – A Flavorful Delight!

Dhaba-style butter dal and tandoori roti are iconic dishes, which you can find roadside "dhabas" in India. Traditionally found along highways, dhabas and tourist places. Known for its delicious flavors.

Here’s a recipe for making Dhaba-style Butter Dal and Crispy Tandoori Roti at home.

Ingredients

• For Dal:

  • 3 tablespoons chana dal (split chickpeas)
  • 2 tablespoons moong dal (split yellow lentils)
  • 1 cup water for cooking dal
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • Salt to taste
  • Ghee for cooking

• For Tempering:

  • 50 grams butter
  • 2 teaspoons red chili powder (use Kashmiri chili powder for less heat)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • Fresh coriander for garnish
  • A small piece of charcoal for smoky flavor (optional)

• For Tandoori Roti:

  • 2 cups wheat flour
  • Salt to taste
  • Water as needed for kneading

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Dal

1. Soak the Dal: Wash the chana dal and moong dal thoroughly and soak them in water for 30 minutes.
2. Cook the Dal: Add soaked dal, 1 cup water, turmeric, and salt to a pressure cooker. Cook on high for 4 whistles, then simmer on low for 5 minutes.
3. Once cooked, gently mash the dal, keeping it slightly chunky for a dhaba-style texture.

Step 2: Preparing the Tandoori Roti

1. Knead the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine wheat flour, salt, and water to form a soft dough. Knead for 4-5 minutes until smooth.
2. Let the dough rest, covered, for 15 minutes.

• Divide the dough into balls and roll each into a circular roti shape.
• Cook on a hot, upside-down tawa (griddle) or oven to achieve a tandoori effect.

Step 3: Tempering the Dal

1. In a pan on high heat, add butter and let it melt. Add red chili powder and sauté for a few seconds (do not burn).
2. Add chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent.
3. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until softened.
4. Pour the tempered mix over the cooked dal and let it simmer.

Optional Smoky Flavor:

1. Heat a small piece of charcoal until it’s red hot.
2. Place the charcoal in a small steel bowl, put it in the dal pot, add a few drops of ghee, and cover immediately to let it absorb the smoky flavor.

Garnish and Serve:

1. Garnish with fresh coriander and a drizzle of melted butter.
2. Serve hot with tandoori roti.

Enjoy your Dhaba-style Butter Dal with crispy, homemade Tandoori Roti!