Dal Shorba
Dal Shorba is a flavorful Indian lentil soup made with spices, tomatoes, and onions. It's hearty, nutritious, and often garnished with fresh coriander, making it a comforting dish served with bread or rice.
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Lentils (red lentils are best)
- 4 Cup Water
- 1 Onion medium,chopped
- 1 Tomato medium, chopped (optional)
- 2 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Ginger inch piece, grated
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
- Salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon Black pepper (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- 1 Lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
Prep the Ingredients:
- Start by soaking your dal (moong or toor) for 15-30 minutes. Chop veggies like tomatoes, carrots, and spinach, and get your spices ready – turmeric, cumin, coriander powder, and garam masala. Don’t forget fresh ginger, garlic, and green chilies!
Cooking the Dal:
- You can cook the dal on the stovetop or use a pressure cooker if you're in a hurry. Just add water to the soaked dal, cook until tender, and set it aside.
Tempering (Tadka):
- Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté them until aromatic – this is the magic step that gives Dal Shorba its authentic, comforting flavor!
Combining Ingredients:
- Now, combine the cooked dal, veggies, and all the prepared spices with the tempered oil. Stir everything together to create the flavor-packed base of the soup. Not only does this mix smell amazing, but it’s the heart of this Healthy Dal Soup!
Simmering:
- Let everything simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for that rich, savory taste that makes Indian Dal Soup so comforting.
Final Seasoning:
- Finally, season with salt, a generous squeeze of lemon juice, and fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness! You can add extra water if you prefer a thinner soup. Taste and adjust for balance – your perfect Dal Shorba is ready!
Notes
Flavor Variations
When it comes to Dal Shorba, the possibilities are endless, and you can tailor the flavor to suit your mood or dietary preferences. Whether you crave heat, creaminess, or fresh herbs, there's a variation to make this comforting Indian Lentil Soup even more delicious! Here's how to tweak the flavor for your next bowl of Healthy Dal Soup:Spicy Dal Shorba
-
- If you’re like my friend Ria, who loves her food on the fiery side, a few more green chilies or a pinch of red chili powder will bring that heat to the forefront! You can add it while tempering the spices or directly to the simmering soup. Indian Soups don't shy away from a little kick, and this variation will make your taste buds sing!
Creamy Dal Shorba
-
- One rainy evening, I made a rich, creamy Dal Shorba by stirring in coconut milk instead of just water. Creamy Dal Soup is the answer if you’re craving something indulgent. You could even use yogurt or a swirl of fresh cream to make it richer and smoother. This version is perfect for chilly days or when you're hosting a comforting dinner.
Herbed Dal Shorba
-
- For a refreshing twist, add fresh herbs like basil, mint, or oregano. I remember a weekend getaway in the mountains, where I added mint to my Dal Shorba, and it instantly brightened up the entire dish! Herbs bring a new dimension, creating a perfect vegetarian soup recipe for the warmer months or when you want a lighter version of your Indian Dal Soup.
Tomato-Based Dal Shorba
-
- In my childhood, I would often see my grandmother blending fresh tomatoes into the dal for that extra zing. Tomato-based Dal Shorba adds a tangy, zesty flavor that enhances the depth of the soup. Tomatoes also bring a natural sweetness, balancing out the spices beautifully. It's a great option if you're in the mood for something more vibrant.
Lentil Mix Dal Shorba
-
- For a heartier, more textured soup, lentil mix is the way to go! I recall my first attempt at mixing moong dal, toor dal, and masoor dal – the result was a wonderfully thick, filling soup. Each lentil contributes something unique: moong dal is light and creamy, toor dal is robust, and masoor dal gives that earthy feel. The combination makes for a rich, satisfying lentil soup.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Dal Shorba
Adjusting Consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, simply add more water to the dal while cooking. On the other hand, for a thicker version, reduce the water slightly. Experiment to find your ideal texture! Using a Pressure Cooker: To speed things up, cook the dal in a pressure cooker. It cuts down cooking time significantly, giving you a rich, flavorful Dal Shorba in a fraction of the time. Perfect for busy days! Mild or Spicy: Whether you like your Dal Shorba mild or spicy, it's easy to adjust. Add more green chilies or a pinch of red chili powder for heat, or keep it light by using fewer spices. Balance is key! Using Leftover Dal: Got leftover dal? Repurpose it the next day to make a quick and tasty Dal Shorba. Simply add water, spices, and herbs to create a fresh, comforting soup in no time!Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Dal Shorba
Amount per Serving
Calories
150
% Daily Value*
Fat
2
g
3
%
Saturated Fat
0.5
g
3
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.5
g
Monounsaturated Fat
1
g
Sodium
250
mg
11
%
Potassium
400
mg
11
%
Carbohydrates
30
g
10
%
Fiber
8
g
33
%
Sugar
2
g
2
%
Protein
10
g
20
%
Vitamin A
500
IU
10
%
Vitamin B1
0.2
mg
13
%
Vitamin B2
0.1
mg
6
%
Vitamin B3
2
mg
10
%
Vitamin B5
0.5
mg
5
%
Vitamin B6
0.3
mg
15
%
Vitamin C
5
mg
6
%
Vitamin E
0.5
mg
3
%
Vitamin K
5
µg
5
%
Calcium
40
mg
4
%
Iron
3
mg
17
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!