Masoor dal, also known as red lentils, is a popular and nutritious dal in Indian cuisine. A simple recipe for making Masoor Dal:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup masoor dal (red lentils), rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes
- 3 cups water
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated or minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a pressure cooker or pot, combine the soaked masoor dal with 3 cups of water. Add a pinch of turmeric powder and salt to taste. Pressure cook for about 10-12 minutes or cook in a pot until the lentils are soft and mushy. Set aside.
2. In a separate pan, heat oil or ghee over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Let them splutter.
3. Add finely chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they turn golden brown.
4. Add minced garlic and ginger to the pan. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
5. Add chopped tomatoes and green chilies to the pan. Cook until the tomatoes turn soft and mushy.
6. Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, and garam masala powder to the pan. Mix well and cook for another couple of minutes until the spices are fragrant.
7. Now, add the cooked masoor dal to the pan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
8. Adjust the consistency of the dal by adding water if necessary. Bring the dal to a simmer and let it cook for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
9. Check for salt and adjust if needed.
10. Garnish the Masoor Dal with fresh coriander leaves.
11. Serve hot with steamed rice or Indian bread like roti or naan. Squeeze some lemon juice on top before serving for extra flavor, if desired.
Enjoy this hearty and flavorful Masoor Dal as a comforting meal!