Black gram dal/black lentils is called “Ulunthu” in Tamil, “Minumulu” in Telugu, “Urad Dal” in Hindi and “Uddu” in Kannada. It very nutritious and is packed with numerous health benefits. It is extensively used in many culinary preparations in India like making dal, dosa, idli, urad dal balls, urad dal rice, vada etc. It is a great protein source for vegetarians.
Good for women’s health
Black gram is very nutritious as it contains high levels of protein, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron and vitamin B. As it is a rich source of iron, it is especially good for women’s health. Traditionally it was given when girls attain puberty as it is said to strengthen the uterus. It also helps boost milk supply in lactating mothers. Check out more on tips to
improve lactation.
Keeps you energetic
As it is rich in iron, it gives stamina and keeps you active and energetic for a long time. It also helps improve immunity.
For strong bones
It has anti-inflammatory properties. People struggling with back pain, joint pain can include urad dal in their diet as it helps decrease inflammation and pain. Being rich in various minerals like phosphorous, potassium, iron and magnesium, it is good for bone health and also helps in maintaining bone mineral density.
Good for skin and hair
It can work miracles for the skin and hair as it contains various minerals needed for healthy hair and skin. It keeps your skin glowing and wrinkle free.
Caution – It contains high quantity of oxalic acid, so it should be avoided by people who suffer from kidney stones, gall stones and rheumatic patients. Consult your doctor before including any new food in your diet.
Urad dal porridge or ulundu kanji is very delicious, easy to prepare and keeps you full for a longer time, hence helps in weight loss also. Today we will learn how to make ulundu kanji following this easy recipe with step wise pictures.
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| .Ulundhu Kanji-Urad Dal Porridge-Ulunthan Kanji |
Ulundhu Kanji-Urad Dal Porridge
Prep Time : 10 mins
Cook Time :
10 mins Serves:
1 Recipe Category:
Breakfast-Porridge Recipe Cuisine:
South Indian Author:
Padhu Sankar Ingredients needed
Urad dal – 1/4 cup
Rice – 2 tbsp flat
Garlic – 2-3 cloves
Fenugreek seeds – 1/4-1/2 tsp
Salt – a pinch
Palm Jaggery or jaggery – 3-4 tbsp or as required
Coconut Milk – 1 cup
Dry ginger powder – a pinch (optional)
Preparation
Wash urad dal, fenugreek seeds (vendhayam) and rice together. Add 2-3 cloves of garlic and a pinch of salt.
Take jaggery or palm jaggery in a vessel. Add a little water and heat it stirring until it dissolves. Strain it to remove the impurities (use a stainless steel strainer). No need to prepare any syrup.
Method
Pressure cook urad dal + garlic mixture with 1 1/2 cups of water for 5-6 whistles. Keep a vessel inside the cooker and pressure cook as shown in the picture below.
Once the pressure subsides, open the cooker and mash it well when it is hot.
Add jaggery water and mix well.
Note – If you want it thick, reduce the quantity of coconut milk. Use urad dal with skin (whole or split) for more health benefits. You can double the quantity if needed.
Few Urad Recipes with urad dal as the main ingredient
Soft Idli
Dosa
Ulundu Bonda
Medhu Vada
Urad Dal Rice
Black Gram Sundal
Keerai Vadai
Dal Makhani
Payaru Ulundu Urundai (Urad dal Green gram balls)
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View Comments (26)
Dear padhu,
Thanks for the wonderful recipe again.
Can I give this porridge to my
1-year old child? If so, kindly notify me the proportion. Also pls let me know what is to be included/excluded in the given recipe if given for babies..
Regards
You can give for babies without garlic and fenugreek seeds as it is just urad dal and rice but do consult your pediatrician before giving as I am not sure of the dosage etc.
Padhu, thanks for the recipe. was looking for ulunthu kanji recipe from long time. Should we use the urad dal with black skin or the white urdal dal ?
And if we are using the one with skin should we soak it and remove the skin or pressure cook it with the skin and have it
No need to remove the skin, skin adds more fiber to the porridge. So just wash it and pressure cook the dal. You can use whole skinned urad dal or split skinned urad dal or split urad dal with skin.
Healthy recipe . I did by roasting grinding or soaking & grinding urad dal. Cooking dal sounds different. I'll try it. Your recipes are too good.
Thanks for the good recipe. But i wonder if the flavour of garlic goes with jaggery. Can we skip garlic?
You can skip garlic but believe me it will not affect the flavor as we are adding just 2 cloves.
Thanks Padhu. Will try :)
looks delicious...will try for sure...u inspire us to eat healthy yet tasty simple foods..do keep continuing your good work of sharing healthy recipes..
Hi mam..Can we give this kanji for 1 year old baby ?
You can but not sure of the dosage. Kindly consult your pediatrician before giving.
Hi Padhu, thanks for the healthy recipe, but I m usually not fan of sweet version of Kanji's and have always had salty type.. So is it possible for you to share a salt version of this kanji. Usually instead of sugar I'll add salt but because this one has coconut milk and jaggery as main ingredients I was not sure how to convert it to salt version
For salted version of Urad dal porridge - omit jaggery and follow the same recipe. I prefer coconut milk for the salted version also but you can add cow's milk, if you prefer.
Urad dal is for weight gain or weight loss?
It is not for weight loss.
Super drink ...I make it for my wife..Thank u ...
Healthy n delicious recipe..enjoyed the breakfast!! Keep posting more..thanks padhu