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–+ servings
Dal Recipe served in a bowl

Dhaba Dal

Dhaba Dal is a hearty and flavorful Indian dish made with a mix of lentils, typically cooked with spices, tomatoes, and onions. It’s known for its rich, smoky flavor, often enhanced by cooking over an open flame. Commonly served with rice or naan, it captures the essence of rustic roadside eateries (dhabas) in India.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course DAL
Cuisine Indian
Servings 6 People
Calories 1200 kcal

Ingredients
  

Ingredients

For the Dal:

  • ½ Cup Toor dal (pigeon peas)
  • ½ Cup Chana dal (split chickpeas)
  • ¼ Cup Moong dal (green gram)
  • 1 Medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 Medium tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon Garam masala
  • 2 tablespoon Ghee or oil
  • Salt to taste
  • 4 Cups Water

For the Tadka (Tempering):

  • 2 tablespoon Ghee or oil
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds (optional)
  • 2-3 Dried red chilies
  • ½ teaspoon Hing (asafoetida, optional)
  • 4-5 Cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger, finely chopped
  • 1 Green chili, slit
  • 1 tablespoon Chopped fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prep the Lentils

  • First, wash your dal (lentils) thoroughly to remove any impurities. Then, soak them for 20-30 minutes to soften them, making the cooking process quicker. This step will help achieve that perfect texture!

Cook the Dal

  • Next, add the soaked lentils to water, along with turmeric and salt. Cook them until soft, either in a pressure cooker, stovetop, or Instant Pot — whichever method you prefer! Don’t forget to adjust the water for your desired consistency!

3Make the Tadka (Tempering)

  • Meanwhile, heat ghee (or oil) in a pan. Then, add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, dry red chilies, and a pinch of asafoetida. Let it sizzle and pop to release all those wonderful flavors!

Add Onions, Tomatoes & Spices

  • Now, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in the pan until golden. Afterward, toss in chopped tomatoes, red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Stir it all together to create a rich, aromatic base.

5Combine the Tadka & Dal

  • Once the dal is cooked, pour the flavorful tadka over it. Give it a good stir, then let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the spices and dal to meld together beautifully. The magic is happening!

Garnish & Serve

  • Finally, garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of freshness. You can even drizzle some extra ghee for richness. Serve your delicious Dhaba Dal with hot, fluffy rice or naan for the ultimate comfort meal!

Notes

Variations

Different Lentils, Different Flavors 
First, why not mix up your lentils? For a creamy, hearty texture, combine toor dal and masoor dal. Alternatively, if you're craving something lighter, go for moong dal for a fresher, milder taste. Either way, each combination gives the dal a unique flavor and vibe! 
Spicy Dhaba Dal 
If you're a spice lover, crank up the heat! Add extra green chilies, red chili powder, or even a bit of green chili paste to give the dal a fiery kick. You’ll be feeling the burn, but in the best way possible! 
Smoky Dhaba Dal (Dum) 
For a smoky twist, you can try the "dhungar" method! First, place a piece of burning charcoal in the cooked dal. Then, cover it and let the smoky aroma slowly infuse the dish. This simple step will bring the authentic dhaba flavors straight to your kitchen, creating that irresistible smoky richness! 
Veggie-Packed Dal 
Want to make your dal more hearty and nutritious? Add some veggies like spinach (palak), carrots, or bottle gourd (lauki). These not only add texture but also make the dish more colorful and full of goodness! 
Creamy Dhaba Dal 
Finally, for a rich, luxurious finish, stir in some cream or a dollop of butter. This gives the dal a smooth, creamy texture—just like the kind you'd find at an upscale dhaba! It’s comfort food at its finest. 

Pro-Tips

1. Cooking the Dal to the Right Consistency 
First, cook the dal until it’s soft and creamy, but still holds its shape. It shouldn’t be too thick or too watery — aim for a nice, smooth texture!
2. Balancing the Spices 
Next, adjust the spices based on your taste. If it’s too spicy, you can always add a spoon of yogurt or cream to calm it down and make it just right.
3. The Importance of Tadka 
Don’t forget the tadka! Heat the oil or ghee properly before adding spices, as this helps release their full flavors and gives the dal that signature aroma.
4. Using Fresh Ingredients 
For the best taste, always use fresh ginger, garlic, and tomatoes. Fresh cilantro on top adds a refreshing touch that balances out the rich flavors.
5. Simmering the Dal for Flavor 
Finally, let the dal simmer for a few extra minutes after adding the tadka. This helps the spices fully blend into the dal for richer flavor.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Dhaba Dal
Amount per Serving
Calories
1200
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
48
g
74
%
Saturated Fat
 
20
g
125
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
4
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
24
g
Cholesterol
 
60
mg
20
%
Sodium
 
800
mg
35
%
Potassium
 
1800
mg
51
%
Carbohydrates
 
180
g
60
%
Fiber
 
30
g
125
%
Sugar
 
12
g
13
%
Protein
 
54
g
108
%
Vitamin A
 
1200
IU
24
%
Vitamin B1
 
0.5
mg
33
%
Vitamin B2
 
0.3
mg
18
%
Vitamin B3
 
5
mg
25
%
Vitamin B5
 
1
mg
10
%
Vitamin B6
 
0.6
mg
30
%
Vitamin C
 
35
mg
42
%
Vitamin E
 
3
mg
20
%
Vitamin K
 
10
µg
10
%
Calcium
 
120
mg
12
%
Iron
 
8
mg
44
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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