Black urad dal with garlic and tomatoes is a flavorful and nutritious Indian dish made from whole black urad dal (black gram lentils), garlic, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices.

To prepare this dish, black urad dal is soaked overnight and then cooked until tender either on the stovetop, in a pressure cooker, or a slow cooker. Meanwhile, a tempering (tadka) is prepared by sautéing minced garlic cloves, chopped tomatoes, and spices like cumin seeds, coriander powder, turmeric, and red chili powder in oil or ghee until the tomatoes are soft and the mixture is fragrant.

Once the urad dal is cooked, it's added to the tempering along with water or broth and simmered until the flavors meld together and the dal reaches the desired consistency. Additional seasoning with salt and garnishing with fresh cilantro leaves adds the final touches to this hearty and delicious dish.

Black urad dal with garlic and tomatoes is often served with steamed rice, roti, or naan, and accompanied by a side of yogurt, pickle, or salad. It's a wholesome and comforting meal that's enjoyed across India, particularly in the northern regions, for its rich flavors and health benefits.