Panchrattan Pakwan

Punj Rattani Dal –

Dal made with a combination of five lentils and tempering with combination of five spices and condiments. Also referred to as “Panch Rattan Pakwan”.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp. Moong (whole)
• 2 tbsp. Masoor (Whole)
• 2 tbsp. Urad dal (preferably whole)
• 2 tbsp. Chana dal
• 2 tbsp. Tur dal
• 2” sticks cinnamon
• 1 tbs. coriander powder
• 1 tsp. cumin powder
• ½ tsp. chilli powder
• ½ tsp. turmeric powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• ½ cup coriander leaves
• 1 tbsp. cream (optional)

Tempering #1

• 2 tbsp. butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1″ pc ginger, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tbsp. yogurt
• ½ tsp garam masala

Tempering #2

• 1 tsp oil or ghee
• 1/2 tsp. each black cumin, kalonji (onion seeds), methi (fenugreek), saunf (fennel), mustard seeds
• 2 red chillies

Method

1. Wash lentils and soak in water for one hour. 
2. Chop onions, tomatoes and coriander leaves.
3. Cook the lentils with 8 cups water & 2 sticks cinnamon.   
4. Bring to a boil, remove scum if any, reduce flame. 
5. Add coriander, cumin, red chilli and turmeric powders and salt. 
6. Cover and simmer till cooked and most of the liquid has evaporated.
7. Mash the dals lightly again the sides of the vessel with a wooden spoon. 
8. Tempering  #1 : Heat a pan and add butter, onions, ginger, tomatoes, yogurt and garam masala, stir over medium heat till fat leaves the mixture.  Pour over the dal and mix well. Cook 5 mns.
9. Tempering #2 : Heat ghee, add all the five seeds, break the red chillies and saute till they crackle and add to the dal.
10. Stir in malai. 
11. Serve hot garnished with coriander leaves with rotis, phulkas or steamed rice.