Indian Dal
Experience the vibrant flavors of Indian Dal, a wholesome and comforting lentil stew that's a staple in Indian cuisine. Made with protein-rich yellow split pigeon peas (toor dal), aromatic spices like cumin, turmeric, and garam masala, this easy dal recipe is bursting with warm, earthy flavors. A fragrant sauté of onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes creates the perfect base, while a splash of lemon juice and fresh coriander add a zesty, herbaceous finish. Cooked to silky perfection, this versatile dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or buttery naan, making it a nourishing meal that's both simple and satisfying. Whether you're looking for a vegetarian main dish or a heartwarming side, this quick and flavorful Indian Dal is a must-try for your kitchen repertoire. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, it's rich in authenticity and packed with health benefits, bringing the essence of Indian comfort food right to your table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow split pigeon peas (toor dal)
- 3 cups water
- 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons ghee
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 0.5 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 0.5 teaspoon garam masala
- 2 tablespoons coriander leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
Rinse the toor dal thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. This helps remove surface starch that can cause dal to become sticky.
In a pressure cooker, add the rinsed dal, 3 cups of water, 0.5 teaspoon of turmeric powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir to combine.
Close the pressure cooker with its lid and cook on medium heat for about 3 whistles or until the dal is soft and cooked through. Alternatively, you can cook the dal in a regular pot, but this will take approximately 25-30 minutes.
Once the pressure releases, open the lid and gently mash the dal with the back of a spoon or a whisk for a softer consistency. Set aside.
In a large pan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds and mustard seeds, allowing them to sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant.
Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and slit green chilies to the pan, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Add the chopped tomato and cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and blend well with the mixture.
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of coriander powder and 0.5 teaspoon of garam masala into the pan, and stir for about 30 seconds to integrate the spices.
Pour the cooked dal into the pan, stirring to combine it with the spice mixture. Allow it to simmer for 5-7 minutes on low heat to soak in the flavors.
Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt if needed.
Turn off the heat, stir in the lemon juice, and garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
Serve the dal hot with cooked rice or warm flatbread for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
273 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 8.4 g | 11% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.8 g | 24% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 20 mg | 7% | |
| Sodium | 508 mg | 22% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 39.0 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.7 g | 35% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.5 g | ||
| Protein | 12.6 g | 25% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 74 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 3.5 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 926 mg | 20% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
