Finding a replacement for urad dal in your kitchen shouldn’t make you break a sweat.
Good news is, there are plenty of alternatives waiting right in your pantry.
We’re here to spill the beans on the top five substitutes that’ll save your dish.
Ever been in the middle of cooking and realized you’re out of urad dal?
Yeah, us too. It’s pretty annoying, right?
But here’s the kicker—switching things up can actually make your meals more exciting.
And trust us, these swaps are almost like finding hidden treasure in your own kitchen.
With these tips, you’ll nail that recipe with whatever you’ve got on hand.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Urad Dal in Cooking
If you’re looking to cook up a delicious dish but are missing the main ingredient, urad dal, don’t worry.
There are several suitable substitutes you can use instead that will still add flavor and texture to your dish.
Here are five of the best alternatives for urad dal:
1 – Beaten Rice
Beaten rice, also known as poha and atukulu, is a traditional Indian snack food that is enjoyed across the subcontinent.
It is made from rice that has been parboiled and then flattened into light, porous flakes.
Beaten rice has a mild yet nutty taste, and its texture is soft yet slightly crunchy.
As it can easily be eaten without adding any other ingredients, it makes for a quick, delicious snack.
While often served plain with green chilis or peanuts, Beaten Rice can also be used to substitute urad dal in many local recipes, such as the traditional Tamil idli.
In this case, the beaten rice should be soaked until soft and blended into a paste before being combined with other ingredients like cumin and sesame seeds.
2 – Semolina
Semolina, also known as rava or sooji, is an excellent alternative to urad dal for making savory dishes.
It offers a pleasant flavor with a slightly grainy texture that is both satisfying and flavorful.
When replacing urad dal in salads and side dishes, the recommended ratio for semolina is 1 cup for every half cup of urad dal.
Just mix the semolina with your regular vegetables and add some seasonings of your choice for a delicious crunch.
Additionally, you can use it in place of rice when making spicy upma or Kesari bhath – just soak the semolina overnight in water and use it to substitute the rice.
With its slightly sweet flavor, semolina can surprisingly enhance the aroma and taste of any dish.
3 – Nuts
Nuts are one of the most versatile ingredients there is – they come in a variety of shapes and sizes, bursting with flavor and crunchy texture.
Whether you opt for almonds, walnuts, cashews, or any other nut combinations, they add an undeniable depth to any dish.
For example, urad dal is a commonly used Indian legume that can be substituted for chopped and roasted nuts for a tasty crunch.
Not only do nuts provide an excellent substitute for urad dal, but their high protein content also makes them a much healthier option than traditional legumes.
4 – Red Lentils
Red lentils are a great alternative to urad dal in many dishes.
Not only do they bring a distinctly earthy and nutty flavor, but they also provide a comfortable texture that doesn’t differ too much from the classic dal.
This makes them an ideal ingredient when it comes to cooking meals and curries that already have a traditional base.
If you’re looking to switch up your entrées, red lentils can be the perfect way to blend new, interesting flavors with nostalgia and satisfaction.
Cooking with them is simple; just replace urad dal measurements with equal amounts of red lentils (or what is required) when making curries or soups.
5 – Yellow Split Peas
When it comes to beans, the yellow split peas are a true delight.
With an earthy flavor and creamy texture, these versatile legumes make for an enticing addition to any dish.
A perfect replacement for urad dal in Indian recipes, the yellow split peas soak easily and take half the cooking time compared to other legumes.
They also provide excellent consistency when ground into flour and can be used to lend extra creaminess to soups and sauces.
With their mild taste and delicate texture, yellow split peas are an ideal ingredient for numerous delicious recipes.
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