Experience the authentic flavors of Indian cuisine with this delicious and comforting Indian Dal recipe. Made with yellow lentils and a blend of aromatic spices this traditional dish is rich in protein and bursting with flavors. If you are a fan of Indian food or looking to explore new flavors this Indian Dal recipe is a must try. Serve it with rice or bread for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow lentils (split yellow moong dal or toor dal)
- 4 cups water
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee (clarified butter)
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
1/ Rinse the lentils thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
2/ In a large pot, add the lentils and water. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are soft and mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3/ While the lentils are cooking, heat oil or ghee in a separate pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
4/ Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
5/ Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chili (if using). Sauté for another minute.
6/ Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
7/ Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Mix well and cook for a minute to release the flavors.
8/ Transfer the cooked lentils to the pan with the onion-tomato mixture. Stir well and let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.
9/If the dal seems too thick, you can add some water to adjust the consistency. Add salt to taste and mix well.
10/ Once the dal is cooked to your desired consistency, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Serving Indian Dal
Your Indian Dal is now ready to be served! It goes well with rice or Indian bread such as roti or naan. Enjoy!
Some Tips and Tricks to Enhance Your Indian Dal Recipe
Soaking: Consider soaking the lentils for a couple of hours before cooking. It can help reduce the cooking time and improve the texture of the dal.
Lentil Ratio: Adjust the lentil-to-water ratio based on your desired consistency. For a thicker dal use less water, and for a thinner dal add more water.
Tadka (Tempering): Enhance the flavor of your dal by adding a tadka or tempering. Heat oil or ghee in a separate pan add spices like cumin seeds mustard seeds and dried red chilies then sauté until they release their aroma. Pour this tempering over the cooked dal just before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of spices according to your taste preferences. If you prefer a milder dal, reduce the quantity of red chili powder or skip the green chili altogether. Conversely if you enjoy spicier food feel free to add more chili powder or green chilies.
Fresh Herbs: Garnish your dal with fresh coriander leaves for a burst of freshness. You can add a squeeze of lemon juice or sprinkle some chaat masala on top for added tanginess.
Experiment with Vegetables: While traditional dal recipes usually focus on lentils, you can add a variety of vegetables to make it more nutritious and flavorful. Spinach, tomatoes, carrots, peas, and bottle gourd are excellent choices that blend well with dal.
Dal Variations: Explore different types of lentils like split pigeon peas (toor dal), red lentils (masoor dal), or split yellow moong dal for unique flavors and textures.
Slow Cooking: For a richer and more developed flavor, consider cooking the dal on low heat for a longer duration. This allows the spices to infuse into the lentils, resulting in a more robust taste.
Leftover Dal: Dal tastes even better the next day as the flavors intensify. Don’t hesitate to make extra and save some for later. It can be reheated and enjoyed as a quick and satisfying meal.
Pairing Suggestions: Serve your dal with steamed basmati rice, roti, naan, or paratha. It also pairs well with Indian side dishes like vegetable curry, raita (yogurt dip), or pickles.
Enjoy the process and savor the delightful flavors of Indian Dal!
Nutrition Facts
The nutrition facts for Indian Dal (lentil curry) can vary depending on the type of lentils used and the specific recipe. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutrition facts for a typical serving (approximately 1 cup or 200-250 grams) of Indian Dal made with split red lentils (masoor dal):
- Calories: Around 150-200 calories per serving
- Protein: Approximately 10-15 grams
- Carbohydrates: About 20-25 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 5-7 grams
- Sugars: 2-3 grams
- Total Fat: Approximately 2-4 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0-1 gram
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams (if prepared without ghee or butter)
- Sodium: Varies depending on the amount of salt and spices used but can be around 300-600 milligrams.
Please note that these values are rough estimates and can vary based on the type of lentils used (different lentils have slightly different nutritional profiles) and the specific spices and seasonings added. Indian Dal is generally a nutritious and low-fat dish when prepared without additional fats like ghee or butter. To get the most accurate nutrition information, it’s best to calculate the values based on the exact type of lentils and recipe you use.
