Fragrant Masoor Dal Delight
This Fragrant Masoor Dal Delight is a vibrant and nourishing dish that perfectly encapsulates the warmth of Indian cuisine in a quick and accessible way. Made with split red lentils, fragrant spices, and colorful green peas, this recipe turns simple pantry staples into a hearty meal that's both satisfying and savory. Ideal for a fast lunch or paired with rice for dinner, this dal will not only tantalize your taste buds but also provide a comforting, healthful experience that's sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
peanut oil
1 tablespoon (Oil for cooking)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (Spice)
ginger powder
1 teaspoon (Spice)
garam masala powder
3 teaspoons (1 + 2 for tadka) (Spice)
masoor dal (split red lentils)
2 cups (Rinsed)
water
As needed (For cooking the dal)
green peas
1 cup (Frozen, defrosted)
butter
2 tablespoons (For tadka)
turmeric powder
1 teaspoon (Spice for tadka)
red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (Spice for tadka)
onion
1 (Diced)
garlic cloves
4 (Finely minced)
ginger
1 teaspoon (Freshly grated or minced)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized pot, heat 1 tablespoon of peanut oil over medium flame. Add 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, ginger powder, and garam masala powder. Cook for a minute until the spices become fragrant.
2
Stir in the 2 cups of masoor dal and enough water to cover the dal by about an inch. Increase the heat to high and bring it to a boil. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface and discard it.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. Stir occasionally and monitor the water level - add more water if it gets too low to prevent burning, or uncover if it's too watery. Cook until the dal is soft and has a porridge-like consistency, approximately 20-25 minutes.
4
While the dal is cooking, prepare the green peas. Defrost 1 cup of frozen green peas in the microwave with a few tablespoons of water, drain any excess water, and set aside.
5
After the dal is cooked, taste and adjust the salt, adding 2 to 4 teaspoons as needed, depending on your preferred taste.
6
To prepare the tadka, heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 2 teaspoons of garam masala powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir and fry gently until the spices are aromatic.
7
Add the diced onion to the frying pan and sauté for several minutes until it reaches your desired level of softness. Then add the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger, cooking for another 2 minutes until aromatic.
8
Combine the tadka with the cooked dal along with the green peas, stirring well to blend the flavors. Taste once more and adjust any seasonings if necessary.
9
Serve your Fragrant Masoor Dal Delight over warm rice, garnished with yogurt, raita, or fresh vegetables like diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and lettuce for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fragrant Masoor Dal Delight?
It is a vibrant and nourishing Indian dish made with split red lentils, fragrant spices, and green peas, designed to be a quick and hearty meal.
What type of lentils are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 cups of masoor dal, which are split red lentils.
Is Fragrant Masoor Dal Delight a vegetarian dish?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is specifically tagged as gluten-free.
How long does it take to cook the masoor dal?
The dal typically takes approximately 20-25 minutes to simmer until it reaches a soft, porridge-like consistency.
What oil is used for the initial spice cooking?
One tablespoon of peanut oil is used to heat the initial spices.
Which spices are added to the pot at the beginning of the cooking process?
One teaspoon each of garlic powder, ginger powder, and garam masala powder are cooked first until fragrant.
How much water should I use to cook the dal?
You should use enough water to cover the dal by about an inch in the pot.
What should I do with the foam that forms when the dal boils?
You should skim off any foam that forms on the surface and discard it.
What is the target consistency for the cooked lentils?
The dal is finished when it is soft and has a porridge-like consistency.
How do I prepare the green peas for this recipe?
Defrost 1 cup of frozen green peas in the microwave with a few tablespoons of water and drain any excess liquid.
What is a 'tadka' and how is it prepared in this recipe?
The tadka is a spice tempering prepared by frying turmeric, garam masala, red pepper flakes, onion, garlic, and ginger in butter.
How much butter is used for the tadka?
Two tablespoons of butter are used to prepare the tadka.
Which spices are included specifically in the tadka?
The tadka includes 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 2 teaspoons of garam masala powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
How much onion is required for the dish?
The recipe requires one diced onion.
How many garlic cloves are used in the fresh seasoning?
Four cloves of garlic, finely minced, are used in the tadka.
When should the fresh ginger and garlic be added?
They should be added to the frying pan after the onions have sautéed for several minutes, and then cooked for an additional 2 minutes.
How much salt is recommended for this dal?
You can add between 2 to 4 teaspoons of salt depending on your preference.
What is the total amount of garam masala used in the whole recipe?
A total of 3 teaspoons are used: 1 teaspoon for the initial cooking and 2 teaspoons for the tadka.
What should I do if the dal gets too watery while simmering?
If it is too watery, you can uncover the pot while simmering to let excess liquid evaporate.
How should the final dish be served?
Serve it over warm rice and garnish with yogurt, raita, or fresh vegetables.
Which fresh vegetables are suggested as garnishes?
Diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and lettuce are recommended for a complete meal.
Is this dish suitable for lunch or dinner?
Yes, it is tagged for both lunch and dinner and is ideal for a fast meal.
What gives the dal its yellow color?
The addition of 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder in the tadka provides a vibrant yellow color.
How much fresh ginger is used?
One teaspoon of freshly grated or minced ginger is used in the tadka.
Can I adjust the heat level of this dal?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, which you can adjust to your spice preference.
When do you add the defrosted peas?
The green peas are added at the end, along with the tadka, once the dal is fully cooked.
What should I do if the dal starts to burn while simmering?
Monitor the water level occasionally and add more water if it gets too low to prevent burning.
What preparation is needed for the masoor dal before cooking?
The split red lentils should be rinsed before they are added to the pot.
Is this dal considered comfort food?
Yes, 'comfort food' is one of the primary tags for this Fragrant Masoor Dal Delight recipe.