Dal Fry Recipe
Dal Fry is a flavorful Indian dish made from cooked lentils sautéed with spices, onions, and tomatoes. Seasoned with cumin and garam masala, it’s typically served with rice or flatbreads, offering a comforting and nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 Cup Toor dal (arhar dal)
- 2 tablespoon Ghee
- 1 Medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 Medium tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 Green chili, slit
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Garam masala
- ½ teaspoon Asafoetida (hing)
- 1 Inch ginger, grated
- 4-5 Garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2-3 Dried red chilies
- 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoon Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- 2 Cups Water
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Rinsing Lentils: The First Step
- First, rinse 1 cup of toor dal under running water. Keep washing it until the water is clear.
Cook Lentils to Perfection
- Next, put the dal in a pressure cooker with 3 cups of water. Then, cook it for about 3-4 whistles, or until it’s soft.
- As a tip, soaking the dal for 30 minutes can make it cook faster.
Melt Ghee Until Hot
- In the meantime, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee or oil in a pan on medium heat.
Spice it Up with Whole Spices
- Next, add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds, 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds, and 1 bay leaf. Stir them until they start to splutter.
Sizzling Onions in the Pan
- After that, add 1 chopped onion and cook it until it turns golden brown.
Add the Tomatoes
- Now, add 1 chopped tomato and cook it until it gets soft and mushy.
Mix in the Flavors
- Next, add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon of coriander powder, and 1 teaspoon of red chili powder to the pan. Stir well, allowing the spices to mix together and release their aromas. Then, let it cook for about 2 minutes, giving the spices time to blend and develop their full flavor.
Mix the Dal
- Now, add the cooked dal to the pan and stir it well to mix everything together.
Let it Simmer
- Let the dal simmer for about 5-10 minutes so the flavors mix well. Also, taste it and add more salt or spices if you want!
Final Touch
- Before you serve, mix in 1 teaspoon of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) and squeeze some lemon juice. This will make the flavors even better!
Time to Enjoy
- Next, sprinkle fresh coriander leaves on top, and then serve it hot with rice or roti. Enjoy your tasty Dal Fry for a super satisfying meal!
Notes
Variations
1. North Indian Dal Fry: North Indian Dal Fry is rich and hearty, usually made with toor dal and served with chapati or steamed rice. Moreover, its flavor comes from classic spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Ultimately, it's a comforting staple that warms you with every bite! 2. South Indian Dal Fry: Down south, dal fry gets a spicy makeover! Ingredients like tamarind, curry leaves, and mustard seeds create a tangy, bold taste. Varieties like Thoor Dal Tadka or Moong Dal Fry are often paired with rice or soft idlis for that extra zing. 3. Veggie-Packed Dal Fry: Want to make dal fry healthier? Add some fresh vegetables like spinach, carrots, or bottle gourd. These veggies bring a nutritious crunch and extra flavor to your dish—perfect for adding a healthy twist! 4. Gujarati Sweet & Savory Dal Fry: In Gujarat, dal fry has a sweet surprise! With jaggery and a splash of lemon juice, this version balances sweetness with savory spices. It’s a unique, tasty twist that makes the dish stand out!Tips for Perfect Dal Fry
1. Achieving the Right Consistency: First, decide if you want your dal thick or soupy. If it's too thick, just add a little water and simmer. For a thicker dal, let it cook longer until it reaches your perfect texture! 2. Balancing Spices: Next, adjust your spices to match your taste! If you like it mild, go light on the chili. If you’re a spice lover, add more garam masala or chili powder. Spice is all about finding the balance! 3. Avoiding Overcooking or Undercooking: Be careful not to overcook or undercook your dal. You want it creamy and tender, not mushy or hard. A great tip is to check the texture by gently pressing a spoon—if it’s soft and smooth, it’s perfect! 4. Using Fresh vs. Ground Spices: Freshly ground spices can make your dal even more flavorful! While pre-ground spices work fine, freshly grinding your cumin, coriander, or mustard seeds gives a fresher taste that really boosts the flavor.Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Dal Fry Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
290
% Daily Value*
Fat
10
g
15
%
Saturated Fat
4
g
25
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
5
g
Sodium
450
mg
20
%
Potassium
600
mg
17
%
Carbohydrates
44
g
15
%
Fiber
8
g
33
%
Sugar
4
g
4
%
Protein
13
g
26
%
Vitamin A
600
IU
12
%
Vitamin B1
0.2
mg
13
%
Vitamin B2
0.1
mg
6
%
Vitamin B3
2
mg
10
%
Vitamin B5
0.5
mg
5
%
Vitamin C
15
mg
18
%
Vitamin E
1
mg
7
%
Vitamin K
5
µg
5
%
Calcium
40
mg
4
%
Iron
3
mg
17
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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