Masoor Dal
Masoor Dal, a warm and hearty Indian lentil dish, is a comforting blend of tender red lentils simmered with aromatic spices and tempered with golden garlic, cumin seeds, and sautéed onions. Infused with turmeric, garam masala, and a hint of red chili, this protein-packed recipe offers a balance of earthy and tangy flavors, thanks to fresh tomatoes, cilantro, and a splash of lemon juice. Perfectly suited for weeknight dinners, this vegan-friendly dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, roti, or naan, making it a versatile and wholesome addition to your table. Quick and easy to prepare, Masoor Dal is an ideal entry point into the world of Indian cuisine, offering enticing flavors and a satisfying, nourishing meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Masoor dal (red lentils)
- 3 cups Water
- 0.5 teaspoons Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Ghee or oil
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 3 large Garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium Tomato, finely chopped
- 1 medium Green chili, slit lengthwise
- 0.5 teaspoons Red chili powder
- 0.5 teaspoons Garam masala
- 2 tablespoons Cilantro (fresh coriander leaves), chopped
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
Instructions
Rinse the masoor dal thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear. Drain the lentils.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed masoor dal, 3 cups of water, and turmeric powder. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan partially, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and cooked through. Stir occasionally and mash slightly with the back of a spoon. Add salt, mix well, and set aside.
In a separate pan, heat ghee or oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant.
Add the chopped garlic and sauté until it turns golden brown.
Add the chopped onion and green chili, and sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the chopped tomato and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes break down and combine with the mixture.
Stir in red chili powder and garam masala, and cook for 1 minute to release their aromas.
Pour the cooked lentils into the pan with the tomato-spice mixture. Stir everything together, and simmer for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
Serve hot with steamed rice, roti, or naan, and enjoy the comforting flavors of Masoor Dal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
604 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.3 g | 39% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.2 g | 86% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 84 mg | 28% | |
| Sodium | 2408 mg | 105% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 65.7 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.4 g | 76% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.5 g | ||
| Protein | 22.5 g | 45% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 191 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 11.1 mg | 62% | |
| Potassium | 1423 mg | 30% | |
*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.
