It took me almost two years to find the answer to this kitchen question. I had heard S repatedly say that kolaiyer dal and allo posto is pure bliss. I already knew how to cook allo posto but what was this Kolaiyer dal? I had barely heard this term. He didn't know the term for "kolaiyer" dal in English or in Hindi. So I was quite stranded there. I asked many of my friends and also my Ma but non of them could help me with their glossary. And then when I decided to make dahi bada and bought Urad dal that my dear S who is so much better with culinary stuff, tells me that, thats what is Kolaiyer dal... Eureka so now I know, therefore declare the Secret to the world. Urad dal is Kolaiyer dal in Bengali.
For quite some time I wanted to make allo posto and kolaiyer dal.
This is S favorite vegeratian meal. There is no explanation required to state that his all time favorite is any dish with fish, chicken, mutton or eggs, as one of the prime ingredient.
So its been long that we had a simple dinner that is a planned one. The unplanned oned are when I boil potatoes with the rice, mash the boiled potatoes, cut onions, green chillis and half tea spoon ghee or mustard oil. A scoop of butter or ICBIB worked wonders too. And fresh hot masoor dal is my instant comfort food.
Well, so this is a much planned one. I have some leftover egg curry too, so the dinner sounds very very good to S. He was very happy with this touch of non-veg.
I am quite modest even though some people may not agree to it, but the dinner was just so much fun ;))
My measures are approx. and serves 2 people and some left for the next day lone lunchtime.
Ingredients:
Split Urad dal : half cup
Grated ginger : half tsp
Green Chillies : 2
Coriander powder : 1/2 tsp
Tumeric powder : 1/2 tsp
Cumin seeds : half tsp
Vegetable Oil : 2 tsp
Salt to taste
Method:
Soak urad dal for about 2 hours.
You can microwave the dal or pressure cook it. But I boil the dal in a covered pan. Keep checking if its getting soft and then mash it with a spatula.
Heat oil in a pan and splutter cumin seeds in it. Add the ginger and the boiled and mashed dal. Add coriander and turmeric powder. Stir for about 1 minute
Add chillies. Stir for 5 minutes and your dal is done.
Add fresh coriander if you want.
Aloo Posto another time!! ;-))
