For the President
Drawing up a menu for important guests of State is a daunting, tricky task. Important matters are discussed over meals, and therefore, food assumes greater importance than it is generally accorded. The spread shoul ideally include a mix of local delicacies and international cuisine. However, given Mr. Trump’s food choices, there was a problem from the world go. White House officials were concerned about what the President would eat on his visit to India. he was a non-vegetarian who loves fast food. And Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a devout vegetarian , wouldn’t include meat in the meals he hosted. Infact, the menu for high tea at Sabarmati Ashram included, among other things, broccoli and corn button samosas, khaman, exotic fresh fruit, assorted cookies and apple pie – all of which Mr.Trump refused.
At the dinner hosted by the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhawan, the menu comprised both vegetarian and non-vegetarian fare. However, the one dish that garnered more attention than the other items on the menu was something typically Indian- a dal. Dal Raisina, named after Raisina Hill on which the President’s residence stands, is the signature dish of Rashtrapati Bhavan. Famous for its rich texture, the recipe is the result of endless experimentation by Chef Machindra Kasture, the first resident chef of Rashtrapati Bhavan, who created the dish in 2010 when Pratibha Patil was the President . Since then, Kasture has passed the baton to current chef Montu Saini, but Dal Raisina retains the place of pride at the table.
The signature dish
So, what is this dal and why is it so delectable? Some are of the opinion that he secret is in the ingredients and others believe that the slow cooking makes all the difference. But how long does this dish take to cook? According to Chef Kasture, the dish needs about eight hours of cooking under constant monitoring, but Montu Saini says it doesn’t take anything less than 48 hours. Chef Kasture attributes the popularity of Dal Raisina to the smoky, distinct flavour of kasuri methi, one of the key ingredients of the recipe. Saffron, butter and cream add richness to the flavour while contributing to the thick, velvety texture. Whole black delicate blend of spices takes care of taste. This dal is best eaten with rice but goes well with rotis too.
While we don’t know whether Trump sampled Dal Raisina, one thing is evident. In many ways, Dal Raisina is representative of India. Diverse ingredients that are individually rich come together to create something wholesome and unique. Can it get better than that?
Dal Raisina recipe
It may be exclusive to Rashtrapati Bhavan, but we can try out the recipe!
Ingredients
Whole urad dal – half cup, boiled
Rajma – half cup, boiled
Tomato – one cup, finely chopped
Fresh tomato puree – quarter cup
Onions – half cup, chopped
Jeera and jeera powder – one tsp each
Green chillies – three, finely grated
Ginger – one tsp, finely grated
Dhaniya powder – one tsp
Garam masala –one tsp
Turmeric – half tsp
Fresh coriander – quarter cup, chopped
Kasuri methi – half tsp
Bay leaves – two
Butter – 50 gm
Oil – 50 gm
Cream –half cup
Salt to taste
Method
Soak the urad dal and rajma separately overnight (approximately eight hours). Pressure cook separately along with one day leaf each. Grease a deep kadhai with oil. Add butter to the oil and blend. Butter enhances the flavour of the spices you’re about to add. Add the jeera, garlic and ginger. Saute for a bit before adding the chopped onions. Cook until the onions are translucent. Then add tomatoes and salt to taste. Saute well. Add half-a-cup of water to the kadhai and cook till the tomatoes become soft. Then add the tomato puree, turmeric, dhaniya powder, jeera powder and garam masala. Add the green chillies and cook for six to eight minutes. Add the dals once the oil begins separating from the gravy. Add enough water so it can be crushed, dried methi leaves (Kasuri methi) and finely chopped fresh coriander. Add the cream, stir well and cook for another 30 minutes with the lid on. Serve hot with rice.
Picture Credit : Google
