Description
A hearty, comforting dal made with two types of lentils, tempered with aromatic spices for a deeply flavorful and nourishing meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup red lentils (masoor dal)
- 1/2 cup yellow split lentils (moong dal)
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- For the tempering:
- 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
- 2 dried red chilies, broken
- 1 sprig curry leaves
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 green chili, slit
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse both lentils thoroughly under running water until water runs clear. Soak in water for 15 minutes, then drain.
- In a large pot, add the drained lentils, 4 cups water, turmeric powder, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils are soft and mushy. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed for desired consistency.
- While lentils cook, prepare the tempering. Heat ghee or oil in a small pan over medium heat.
- Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds; let them splutter.
- Add asafoetida, dried red chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté for 10 seconds.
- Add chopped onion, garlic, ginger, and green chili. Sauté until onion turns golden brown, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add chopped tomato and red chili powder. Cook until tomatoes soften and oil separates, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add garam masala and stir for another 30 seconds.
- Pour the tempering over the cooked lentils and mix well. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Taste and adjust salt and spices as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or naan.
Notes
For a vegan version, use oil instead of ghee. You can adjust the consistency by adding more water; this dal thickens as it cools. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 14g