Aromatic Spicy Masoor Dahl
Indulge in a savory bowl of Aromatic Spicy Masoor Dahl, a fulfilling and delicious lentil dish from traditional Indian cuisine. This recipe features vibrant spices melded with soft, flavorful lentils, creating a dish that is not only comforting but deeply nourishing. Paired perfectly with Anu's Tangy Lemon Rice with Peanuts and fluffy chapattis, this meal is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Customize the heat level by adjusting the chili powder to your preference, and feel free to substitute Masoor dahl with Toor or split Moong dahl. If you're looking for a plant-based option, vegetable oil can replace ghee or butter, making this dish an excellent choice for vegans as well!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onions
2 (sliced)
Garlic
2 cloves (finely chopped)
Fresh gingerroot
1 tablespoon (minced (optional))
Ghee or unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
Pure ground red chili powder
1.5 teaspoons (to taste)
Ground coriander
4.5 teaspoons (ground)
Turmeric
1 teaspoon (ground)
Cloves
5 (whole)
Cinnamon stick
1 inch (whole)
Salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Split red lentils (Masoor dahl)
8 ounces (rinsed)
Water
1/4 to 1/2 cup (as needed)
Cilantro leaf
to garnish (freshly chopped)
Instructions
1
Rinse the lentils thoroughly by placing them in a colander and running cold water over them until the water runs clear.
2
Transfer the rinsed lentils to a medium-sized deep saucepan, and for each cup of lentils, add two cups of water.
3
Bring the mixture to a rapid boil, then reduce the heat and allow to simmer for 10 to 20 minutes. Ensure that the lentils remain slightly firm to the bite, resembling 'al dente' texture.
4
Once cooked, drain the lentils to remove excess water.
5
In the same saucepan, melt the ghee or butter over medium heat.
6
Add the sliced onions, chopped garlic, and minced ginger (if using) to the pan and sauté until the onions are soft and lightly browned.
7
Stir in the ground red chili powder, ground coriander, turmeric, cloves, and salt, cooking for an additional few minutes until the spices are fragrant and bubbling.
8
Incorporate the drained lentils into the spiced mixture, stirring thoroughly to combine.
9
Gradually add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water, depending on your desired consistency. Simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
10
Adjust the consistency by adding more water if necessary. The dahl should be thick but not dry.
11
To enhance the flavor, garnish the dish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
12
For a twist, feel free to add two chopped tomatoes with the onions for extra richness!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aromatic Spicy Masoor Dahl?
It is a savory and fulfilling Indian lentil dish featuring vibrant spices and soft lentils, often served as a comforting and nourishing meal.
What type of lentils are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for split red lentils, which are also known as Masoor dahl.
Can I substitute Masoor dahl with other lentils?
Yes, you can substitute Masoor dahl with Toor dahl or split Moong dahl if preferred.
How should I prepare the lentils before cooking?
Rinse the lentils thoroughly in a colander under cold water until the water runs clear.
What is the water-to-lentil ratio for boiling?
For every one cup of lentils, you should add two cups of water for boiling.
How long do the lentils need to boil?
The lentils should simmer for 10 to 20 minutes until they are slightly firm to the bite.
What does 'al dente' mean in the context of lentils?
It means the lentils should remain slightly firm when bitten, rather than being completely mushy.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes, simply replace the ghee or butter with vegetable oil to make the dish plant-based and vegan-friendly.
What fat is best for sautéing the aromatics?
The recipe suggests using ghee or unsalted butter, or vegetable oil for a vegan version.
Which aromatics are used in the base?
The base uses sliced onions, finely chopped garlic, and minced fresh gingerroot.
Is the gingerroot mandatory?
No, the minced fresh gingerroot is optional according to the ingredient list.
How do I adjust the heat level of the dahl?
You can customize the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of pure ground red chili powder.
What spices are needed for the aromatic flavor?
The spice blend includes ground red chili powder, ground coriander, turmeric, whole cloves, and a cinnamon stick.
How long should I sauté the spices?
Sauté the spices for a few minutes until they become fragrant and start bubbling.
What should I do after combining the lentils with the spices?
Gradually add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water and simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes.
How do I achieve the right consistency?
Adjust the thickness by adding more water if necessary; the dahl should be thick but not dry.
Can I add tomatoes to this recipe?
Yes, adding two chopped tomatoes with the onions can provide extra richness and a different flavor profile.
What is the best garnish for Masoor Dahl?
Freshly chopped cilantro leaves are recommended as a garnish to enhance the flavor.
What side dishes pair well with this dahl?
It pairs perfectly with Tangy Lemon Rice with Peanuts and fluffy chapattis.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a deeply nourishing and healthy vegetarian dish.
How many onions are required for the recipe?
The recipe requires two onions, which should be sliced.
How many cloves of garlic are used?
You will need two cloves of garlic, finely chopped.
What is the weight of the lentils used?
The recipe specifies 8 ounces of split red lentils.
Are the cloves used ground or whole?
The recipe calls for 5 whole cloves.
How large should the cinnamon stick be?
A 1-inch piece of cinnamon stick is recommended.
How much ground coriander is needed?
The recipe uses 4.5 teaspoons of ground coriander.
How much turmeric is added?
One teaspoon of ground turmeric is used in this recipe.
Does the recipe include salt?
Yes, one teaspoon of salt is suggested, or you can adjust to taste.
Should the lentils be drained after the first boil?
Yes, once the lentils are cooked al dente, you should drain them to remove excess water before adding them to the spices.
Is this recipe suitable for traditional Indian meals?
Yes, it is a traditional Indian cuisine recipe that is both comforting and authentic.