Authentic Maharashtrian Amti Recipe: A Tangy and Spicy Lentil Curry Delight

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Toor Dal (Pigeon Pea Lentils)
  • 2 cups Water
  • 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
  • 1 tablespoon Oil
  • 1 teaspoon Mustard Seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
  • Asafoetida a pinch
  • 1/2 cup Onion, finely chopped
  • 1 Tomato, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Goda Masala
  • 1 tablespoon Tamarind Paste
  • 1 tablespoon Jaggery
  • 2 cups Water
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Coconut, grated
  • 2 Green Chillies, slit
  • Coriander (Dhania) Leaves a handful, chopped
  • Salt, to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Wash the Toor Dal thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. Soak it in 2 cups of water for about 30 minutes.
  2. After 30 minutes, drain the water and transfer the soaked Dal to a pressure cooker. Also add 1/2 teaspoon of Turmeric Powder and 1 cup of Water to the pressure cooker.
  3. Pressure cook for about 4 whistles and turn off the heat. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
  4. Once the pressure is released, open the cooker and mash the Dal using a Dal masher or the back of a spoon. Keep it aside.
  5. Heat 1 tablespoon of Oil in a pan. Add the Mustard Seeds and allow them to crackle. Then add the Cumin Seeds and a pinch of Asafoetida. Stir for a few seconds.
  6. Add the chopped Onion to the pan and sauté until it turns golden brown. Then add the chopped Tomato and cook until it becomes soft and mushy.
  7. Add the mashed Dal to the pan and mix well. Then add the Goda Masala, Tamarind Paste, and Jaggery. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
  8. Add 2 cups of Water, grated Coconut, slit Green Chillies and Salt to the pan. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
  9. Once the mixture starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the Dal from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  10. After 10 minutes, turn off the heat and garnish the Amti with chopped Coriander Leaves. Serve hot with Rice or Roti.

Tools for making

  • Pressure Cooker - Used to cook the Toor Dal quickly and efficiently under pressure.
  • Dal Masher - Used to mash the cooked Dal into a smooth consistency.
  • Pan - Used for sautéing the Onion and Tomato and preparing the Amti.
  • Spoon - Used for stirring the ingredients while cooking.

Recipe variations

  • Add vegetables like brinjal (eggplant), drumsticks, or pumpkin to enhance the flavor and texture of the Amti.
  • For a spicier version, increase the quantity of green chillies or add red chilli powder.
  • Replace Toor Dal with other lentils such as Masoor Dal (red lentils) or Moong Dal (split yellow lentils) for a different taste and texture.
  • To make it gluten-free, skip the Asafoetida or use gluten-free Asafoetida substitutes available in the market.
  • For a vegan version, use vegetable oil instead of ghee and skip the Goda Masala (as it often contains dried shrimp).
  • Experiment with different spices like coriander powder, cumin powder, or garam masala to customize the flavors according to your preference.
  • If you prefer a tangier taste, increase the amount of tamarind paste.
  • Add a dollop of ghee or drizzle some coconut milk on top while serving to enhance the richness and creaminess.
  • For a healthier option, reduce the amount of oil used in the recipe or substitute it with a healthier oil like olive oil.

Recipe overview

Experience the rich and comforting flavors of Maharashtra with this authentic Amti recipe. Amti is a traditional Maharashtrian dal that features the distinct taste of Toor Dal (Pigeon Pea Lentils) cooked to perfection with a unique blend of spices, including Goda Masala, and sweetened with Jaggery. This recipe also incorporates a tangy twist of Tamarind Paste, balancing the sweetness and spice perfectly. Finished off with a hearty garnish of fresh Coriander leaves, this dish is a wholesome and satisfying meal you'll want to make again and again. Enjoy Amti paired with Rice or Roti for an incredibly tasty meal. This recipe serves 4 people and can be prepared in approximately 50 minutes. Follow our step-by-step guide to bring this traditional Indian delicacy to your dining table.

Common questions

  1. Can I use other lentils instead of Toor Dal?
    Yes, you can use other lentils like Masoor Dal or Moong Dal as a substitute for Toor Dal.
  2. Is there a substitute for Goda Masala?
    If you don't have Goda Masala, you can use Garam Masala as an alternative.
  3. Can I skip adding tamarind paste?
    If you don't have tamarind paste, you can substitute it with lemon juice for a tangy flavor.
  4. Can I adjust the spice level?
    Yes, you can adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer green chillies according to your taste.
  5. Is it necessary to soak the Toor Dal before cooking?
    Soaking the Toor Dal helps in faster cooking and better texture, but you can skip the soaking step if you are short on time.
  6. Can I make this recipe without a pressure cooker?
    Yes, you can cook the Dal in a regular pot, but it will take longer. Cook it until the Dal is soft and easily mashed.
  7. Can I refrigerate leftovers?
    Yes, you can refrigerate the leftover Amti in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Amti hails from the heartland of Maharashtra, a vibrant state of India known for its rich cultural and culinary heritage. This particular dish is a staple in Marathi cuisine and holds a special place in the meals served during festivals and celebrations. What makes Amti unique is the use of Goda Masala, a special spice mix native to Maharashtra, which imparts a distinct and tantalizing flavor to the dish. This dal recipe is characterized by its delicate balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors, embodied by the use of Tamarind and Jaggery. And as legend has it, a Maharashtrian meal is considered incomplete without a serving of Amti, such is the reverence it has earned over centuries.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.