Dairy-Free Maharashtrian Aamti

Experience the authentic flavors of Maharashtra with this Dairy-Free Maharashtrian Aamti, a comforting and vibrant lentil curry made with protein-packed toor dal (pigeon peas), creamy coconut milk, and a symphony of spices. This traditional recipe is given a modern twist by excluding dairy, making it perfect for vegan and lactose-intolerant diets without compromising on flavor. The dish is infused with the tangy sweetness of tamarind pulp and jaggery (or sugar), balanced by the heat of green chilies and the aromatic richness of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and asafoetida. Ready in just 40 minutes, this quick and wholesome dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or Indian bread, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or festive fare. Garnished with fresh cilantro, this dairy-free delight is a must-try for lovers of Indian cuisine seeking plant-based comfort food options.

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Toor dal (pigeon peas)
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 0.25 teaspoon Asafoetida (hing)
• 2 tablespoons Oil
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
• 10 leaves Curry leaves
• 2 pieces Green chilies
• 1 inch Ginger
• 3 pieces Garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
• 0.5 cup Coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons Tamarind pulp
• 1 tablespoon Jagerry or sugar
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro leaves

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the toor dal under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it in water for 30 minutes to speed up the cooking process.

Step 2

Drain the soaked dal. In a pressure cooker, add the dal, 2 cups of water, and turmeric powder. Cook for 3-4 whistles or until the dal is soft and mushy. If using a pot, cook until dal is soft, roughly 25 minutes.

Step 3

Once the pressure releases, mash the dal slightly with a spoon and set aside.

Step 4

Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter.

Step 5

Add cumin seeds, curry leaves, asafoetida, finely chopped green chilies, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.

Step 6

Stir in the coriander powder and cook for another minute.

Step 7

Add the cooked dal to the spice mixture. Stir well to combine.

Step 8

Pour in the coconut milk and tamarind pulp. Add jaggery/sugar and salt. Mix all the ingredients well.

Step 9

Let the aamti simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 10

Adjust the seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.

Step 11

Serve hot with rice or Indian bread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(492.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1179.0

Total Fat 34.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 2.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2445.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 181.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 35.5g	0%
Total Sugars 37.1g
Protein 48.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 258.6mg	0%
Iron 14.2mg	0%
Potassium 3617.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 25.1%

Protein: 15.8%

Carbs: 59.1%