Sourced directly from the Certified Organic Farmers of Uttarakhand.
Bhatt ki dal is the organic black soybeans which are cultivated here, in the high rises of Uttarakhand.Bhatt ki dal or Black Soyabean dominate kitchens in the Garhwal and Kumaon regions of the state. Bhatt belongs to the leguminosae family. Soybean (Glycine max) has seeds of many colours; the black one is rich in iron and protein.
Using this humble ingredient, different foods are prepared, where Bhatt ki Dal and Bhatt ki Chudkani/Churdkani are the two most iconic dishes from Kumaoni cuisine.The difference between the Dal and Chudkani (pronounced as Churkani) lies in the process of preparation. In Churdkani, the lentil is first fried in oil while in Dal, you soak it overnight and temper once cooked. Also, the Churdkani is watery, unlike Dal which is thick in texture.
Another traditional preparation of black bean in the Kumaon belt is bhatiya. The dish is made by first soaking black soybean overnight and then grinding it to a paste. The paste is boiled in an iron utensil with broken rice and salt.
Dals are like staple diet in Kumaoni cuisine. Usually, the lentils are soaked overnight before cooking. Cooking is mainly done in iron pans or Lohe ki kadai. The taste and composition of the food are enhanced when you cook in iron pans. You would need very less oil, it can withstand high temperature and you needn’t worry about breaking it as it is heavy.Ghee is used for tempering as it helps in digestion of these coarse and fibrous grains.
Benefits of Black Soybean
Known for its high protein and fiber content, black soybeans or Bhatt ki dal also has excellent health benefits, including managing diabetes, strengthening bones, lowering blood pressure, healthy digestion and weight loss. It is also a great source of Vitamin E and amino acids which helps in keeping the skin healthy, build muscle and maintain the health of your hair. Studies also show that consuming black soybeans improves the chances of pregnancy.
Nutritionally, black soybeans are very similar to regular yellow soybeans—free of fat and a good source of protein. They are low in net carbohydrates (the amount of carbohydrates per serving minus the grams of fiber) and high in protein, fiber, vitamin K, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, and riboflavin. Half a cup of canned black soybeans has 1 gram net carb plus 7 grams of fiber (8 grams of total carbohydrate), 11 grams of protein, and 120 calories.
The black variety is higher in some nutrients, including antioxidants. The only distinction between white and black soybeans is the color of the hull, so any nutritional difference will be found in the black outer shell. Similar to blueberries and raspberries, the dark exterior of the black soybean contains antioxidants that inhibit the oxidation of other molecules.
Shipping - To ensure fresh & pure products are delivered at your doorstep, we procure these directly from the Local farmers/ Women's Self Help Groups in small batches. It therefore sometimes takes 7-21 days for the shipment to get delivered to you depending upon your location.