Masoor Dal Recipe
Masoor Dal is a nutritious Indian dish made from red lentils, seasoned with spices like cumin and turmeric. Often cooked with onions and tomatoes, it's served with rice or roti, offering a hearty and protein-rich meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Masoor Dal (Red Lentils)
- 3 Cup Water
- 1 Onion medium, finely chopped
- 1 Tomato medium, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Ginger-Garlic Paste
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- ½ teaspoon Cumin Seeds
- 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder
- ½ teaspoon Garam Masala
- ½ teaspoon Red Chili Powder
- 2 tablespoon Oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
1. Rinse and Soak Lentils
- To start, rinse the Masoor Dal under cold water. This helps get rid of dirt and extra starch. Soaking is optional, but if you have time, soaking for about 30 minutes can make the lentils cook faster and become softer.
2. Cook the Lentils
- Next, take a large pot and add 3 cups of water to the rinsed lentils. Bring it to a boil.
- After that, lower the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the lentils are tender. Keep an eye on it, as you might need to add more water to get the right consistency.
3. Prepare the Tadka (Tempering)
- While the lentils are cooking, heat some oil in another pan over medium heat. First, add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
- Then, add chopped onion and cook until it turns golden brown. After that, stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2-3 more minutes.
- Next, add chopped tomatoes and cook until they are soft and the oil separates from the mixture
4. Add Spices and Combine
- Once the tomatoes are ready, add turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and red chili powder. Mix well so the spices blend with the onion and tomato.
- Then, pour this mixture into the cooked Masoor Dal and stir it all together. Adjust the salt to your taste and let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes. It’s important to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go!
5. Garnish and Serve
- Finally, garnish the Masoor Dal with fresh cilantro.
Notes
Flavor Variations
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- Spicy: If you love spice, you can make your dal extra spicy by adding green chilies or chili powder. This will give it a nice kick!
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- Sweet: On the other hand, some regions like to add a pinch of jaggery to make the dal slightly sweet and tangy. It’s a fun twist for your taste buds!
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- Vegetable Masoor Dal: For a healthier option, try adding vegetables like spinach, carrots, or peas. This not only makes it tastier but also packs in extra nutrition!
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- Coconut Masoor Dal: Lastly, if you're in the mood for something creamy, add some coconut milk. It’ll give the dal a rich, tropical flavor!
Pro-Tips
1. Texture Control: To begin with, you can adjust the consistency of your Masoor Dal depending on how you like it. If you prefer a soupy texture, add more water; for a thicker dal, reduce the water. For a creamy version, you can mash some of the dal or add a little coconut milk. 2. Preventing Overcooking: Next, make sure not to overcook the dal! To avoid it getting too mushy, cook it on low heat and keep an eye on it. If you’re using a pressure cooker, don’t let it cook for more than 3-4 whistles. 3. Make Ahead: Additionally, Masoor Dal Recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead, store it in the fridge for a few days, or freeze it for later. When reheating, the flavor stays great, and you can easily adjust the consistency by adding a little water.Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Masoor Dal Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
600
% Daily Value*
Fat
15
g
23
%
Saturated Fat
2
g
13
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
3
g
Monounsaturated Fat
8
g
Sodium
600
mg
26
%
Potassium
1200
mg
34
%
Carbohydrates
100
g
33
%
Fiber
25
g
104
%
Sugar
6
g
7
%
Protein
30
g
60
%
Vitamin A
1200
IU
24
%
Vitamin B1
0.4
mg
27
%
Vitamin B2
0.3
mg
18
%
Vitamin B3
5
mg
25
%
Vitamin B5
0.5
mg
5
%
Vitamin B6
0.5
mg
25
%
Vitamin C
25
mg
30
%
Vitamin E
1
mg
7
%
Vitamin K
5
µg
5
%
Calcium
60
mg
6
%
Iron
6
mg
33
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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