120 Rupay me special thali

120 Rupay me special thali is a medium Indian recipe that serves 2. 820 calories per serving. Recipe by Manish Official Master on YouTube.

Prep: 45 min | Cook: 1 hr 30 min | Total: 2 hrs 35 min

Cost: $55.24 total, $27.62 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Basmati Rice (rinsed and soaked 15 minutes)
  • 1 cup Kidney Beans (Rajma) (soaked overnight, drained)
  • 2 medium Onion (finely chopped; one for curry, one for pickles)
  • 2 medium Tomato (pureed)
  • 2 tablespoons Ginger-Garlic Paste (freshly made or store‑bought)
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
  • 1.5 teaspoons Garam Masala
  • 1 teaspoon Red Chili Powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
  • to taste Salt
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (for sautéing)
  • 0.5 cup Whole Black Lentils (Urad Dal) (rinsed)
  • 0.25 cup Red Kidney Beans (for Dal Makhani) (soaked 4 hrs)
  • 2 tablespoons Butter (unsalted)
  • 0.25 cup Heavy Cream (for finishing dal makhani)
  • 0.5 cup Tomato Puree
  • 0.5 teaspoon Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) (crushed)
  • 1 cup Yogurt (plain, full‑fat)
  • 2 tablespoons Gram Flour (Besan) (for kadhi base)
  • 0.5 cup Gram Flour (for Pakoras) (plus a pinch of salt and chili)
  • 2 Green Chili (one for pakoras, one for chutney)
  • 2 cups Milk (full‑fat for kheer)
  • 0.25 cup Sugar
  • 0.25 cup Rice (for Kheer) (same basmati, washed)
  • 1 pinch Cardamom Powder
  • 2 tablespoons Mixed Dry Fruits (almonds, cashews, raisins, chopped)
  • a few Saffron Threads (optional, for color and aroma)
  • 3 tablespoons White Vinegar (for pickles)
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
  • 1 inch Fresh Ginger (for Chutney) (peeled and grated)
  • 2 tablespoons Whipped Cream (Amul style) (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Soak Beans and Lentils

    Rinse 1 cup kidney beans and 0.5 cup black lentils; soak the kidney beans overnight and the lentils for at least 4 hours.

    Time: PT15M

  2. Cook Rajma

    Drain soaked kidney beans, add to pressure cooker with 3 cups water, 1 tsp cumin seeds, ½ tsp turmeric, and a pinch of salt. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then natural release.

    Time: PT30M

  3. Prepare Rajma Masala

    In a large pot heat 2 tbsp oil, add 1 tsp cumin seeds until fragrant, then sauté half the chopped onion until golden. Add ginger‑garlic paste, 1 tsp red chili powder, ½ tsp garam masala, and sauté 1 minute. Stir in pureed tomatoes and cook until oil separates (about 5 minutes). Add cooked rajma, ½ cup water, adjust salt, and simmer 10 minutes.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  4. Cook Dal Makhani

    In the pressure cooker, combine soaked black lentils, soaked kidney beans (for dal), 3 cups water, ½ tsp turmeric, and a pinch of salt. Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes, then natural release. In a pan melt 2 tbsp butter, add ½ tsp cumin seeds, then add the cooked lentils, ½ cup tomato puree, 1 tsp ginger‑garlic paste, ½ tsp red chili powder, ½ tsp garam masala, and simmer 15 minutes. Stir in ¼ cup cream and ½ tsp kasuri methi; simmer 5 more minutes.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: Medium‑low heat

  5. Prepare Kadhi Base

    Whisk together 1 cup yogurt, 2 tbsp gram flour, ¼ tsp turmeric, and ½ tsp salt until smooth. Add 2 cups water gradually, whisking to avoid lumps.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Fry Pakoras

    In a bowl combine ½ cup gram flour, sliced onion, chopped green chili, pinch of salt, and enough water to make a thick batter. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat; drop spoonfuls of batter and fry until golden brown (3‑4 minutes each side). Drain on paper towels.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  7. Cook Kadhi with Pakoras

    Bring the kadhi batter to a gentle boil, then reduce to simmer. Add fried pakoras, simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Medium‑low heat

  8. Prepare Kheer

    In a saucepan bring 2 cups milk to a boil, add ¼ cup washed rice, reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, until rice is soft and milk thickens (about 15 minutes). Add ¼ cup sugar, a pinch of cardamom, saffron strands, and mixed dry fruits; cook 2 minutes more.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: Low heat

  9. Make Pickles and Chutney

    Thinly slice 1 onion; toss with 2 tbsp white vinegar, pinch of salt, and pinch of sugar – set aside. For ginger chutney, blend 1 inch ginger, 1 green chili, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and pinch of salt into a smooth paste.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Cook Basmati Rice

    In a pot, combine soaked rice with 1.5 cups water, a pinch of salt, and 1 tsp oil. Bring to boil, then cover and simmer on low for 12 minutes. Turn off heat and let rest 5 minutes.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: Low heat

  11. Assemble the Thali

    On each serving plate, place a portion of rice, ladle rajma, dal makhani, and kadhi with pakoras. Add a small bowl of kheer, garnish with whipped cream, and serve onion pickle, ginger chutney, and pickled chili on the side.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
820
Protein
22 g
Carbohydrates
110 g
Fat
28 g
Fiber
12 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains dairy, Contains gluten

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Tree nuts

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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120 Rupay me special thali

Recipe by Manish Official Master

A budget-friendly North Indian thali inspired by the viral Manish Official Master video. This complete meal includes fragrant basmati rice, hearty rajma curry, creamy dal makhani, tangy kadhi with pakoras, sweet kheer with dry fruits, and assorted pickles. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner for two.

MediumIndianServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
30m
Prep
2h 15m
Cook
20m
Cleanup
3h 5m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$55.24
Total cost
$27.62
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Soaking and pressure cooking rajma until fully tender.
  • Tempering dal makhani with butter and cream for richness.
  • Frying pakoras to a crisp golden brown without oil splatter.
  • Stirring kheer continuously to avoid scorching the milk.
  • Balancing spices in the rajma masala and kadhi.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil with care; use a splatter guard when frying pakoras.
  • Release pressure from the cooker slowly to avoid steam burns.
  • Use a sharp knife on a stable cutting board to prevent cuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of a North Indian thali in Indian cuisine?

A

The thali represents a balanced, wholesome meal in Indian culture, traditionally offering a variety of flavors—sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami—on a single platter. It reflects the Indian philosophy of harmony and is served during daily meals as well as festive occasions across North India.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of a thali in North Indian cuisine?

A

In Punjab, a thali often includes butter‑rich dal makhani, sarson ka saag, and makki di roti, while in Uttar Pradesh you may find kebabs, aloo ki sabzi, and sweet kheer. Rajasthan’s thali adds dal baati churma and gatte ki sabzi, showcasing the diversity within North Indian thali traditions.

cultural
Q

How is a thali traditionally served in a North Indian household?

A

A traditional North Indian thali is presented on a round metal or stainless steel plate with small bowls (katoris) for each curry, a larger bowl for rice, and a separate dish for sweet items like kheer. It is usually eaten with the right hand, using the bread or rice to scoop the gravies.

cultural
Q

During which occasions or celebrations is a thali commonly prepared in Indian culture?

A

Thalis are prepared for daily family meals, religious festivals like Diwali and Navratri, and special occasions such as weddings and birthdays. The abundance of dishes symbolizes prosperity and hospitality.

cultural
Q

How does the 120 Rupee thali fit into the broader North Indian cuisine tradition?

A

The 120 Rupee thali captures the essence of a classic North Indian meal—rice, legumes, dairy‑rich gravies, fried snacks, and a sweet dessert—while keeping the cost low. It showcases the Indian tradition of offering a complete, balanced plate without extravagance.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for the 120 Rupee thali versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include basmati rice, kidney beans (rajma), urad dal, ghee, yogurt, and Indian spices like garam masala and kasuri methi. Acceptable substitutes are long‑grain rice for basmati, black beans for rajma, and butter or oil in place of ghee.

cultural
Q

What other North Indian dishes pair well with the 120 Rupee thali?

A

The thali pairs nicely with fresh cucumber raita, papad crisp, pickled mango (achar), and a side of fresh coriander chutney. A glass of sweet lassi or a light masala chai complements the meal perfectly.

cultural
Q

What makes the 120 Rupee thali special or unique in North Indian cuisine?

A

Its uniqueness lies in delivering a full spectrum of flavors—spicy rajma, creamy dal makhani, tangy kadhi, sweet kheer, and crunchy pakoras—within a modest budget, reflecting the Indian value of hospitality without excess.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the 120 Rupee thali at home?

A

Common mistakes include under‑soaking the beans, over‑cooking the kheer causing it to stick, and frying pakoras at too low a temperature which makes them soggy. Also, adding yogurt to a boiling kadhi can cause curdling; temper it slowly.

technical
Q

Why does this thali recipe use a pressure cooker for rajma and dal instead of a slow simmer?

A

A pressure cooker dramatically reduces cooking time while ensuring the beans become tender without breaking down, which is essential for a quick‑budget thali. Slow simmering would take 1‑2 hours, making the recipe less practical for home cooks.

technical
Q

Can I make the 120 Rupee thali ahead of time and how should I store each component?

A

Yes, the curries (rajma, dal makhani, kadhi) can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated in airtight containers. Kheer can also be chilled and reheated gently. Reheat each component on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed to restore consistency.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Manish Official Master specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Manish Official Master specializes in Indian street‑food style cooking tutorials, budget‑friendly meals, and entertaining food challenges that showcase traditional flavors with a modern twist.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Manish Official Master's approach to Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

Manish Official Master focuses on high‑energy, comedic presentations while emphasizing affordable, everyday dishes that resonate with a wide audience, unlike many channels that prioritize gourmet or restaurant‑style recipes.

channel

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