The perennial comfort food: Masoor Dal
Masoor dal, or red lentil curry, is a popular and delicious dish in Indian cuisine. Here's a simple recipe for making masoor dal:
Ingredients:
1 cup masoor dal (red lentils), washed and soaked for 30 minutes
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
2 green chilies, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons cooking oil
Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions:
Cooking Lentils:
In a pressure cooker, add soaked masoor dal, turmeric powder, and salt.
Add 3 cups of water and pressure cook for about 3-4 whistles or until the dal is soft and cooked through.
Tempering (Tadka):
In a separate pan, heat oil over medium heat.
Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
Aromatics:
Add green chilies and ginger-garlic paste. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
Tomato Mix:
Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they are soft and the oil starts to separate.
Spices:
Add coriander powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Mix well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Combining Dal and Tempering:
Once the lentils are cooked, open the pressure cooker and mash them slightly with a ladle for a creamy consistency.
Add the prepared tempering (tadka) to the cooked dal. Mix well.
Adjusting Consistency:
Adjust the consistency by adding water if needed. Bring the dal to a gentle boil.
Seasoning:
Check for salt and adjust according to taste.
Garnish:
Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
Serving:
Serve hot with steamed rice or Indian bread (roti, naan).
Optionally, squeeze some fresh lemon juice before serving.
Enjoy your delicious masoor dal, a nutritious and comforting dish with the goodness of red lentils and aromatic spices!