Living in a metropolitan city can mean a long day, a hungry stomach and zero energy to cook an elaborate meal. Fortunately, there are many dishes to curb this feeling. One such amazing meal is Masoor Dal, aka red split lentils.
This dish is quick, easy, nutritious, and, best of all, requires minimal effort since it’s made in one pot.
Read throughout to master the Masoor Dal recipe in one go!
Why Choose Masoor Dal?
Masoor Dal is a powerhouse of nutrition and convenience. It’s a must-have for busy kitchens. It is rich in protein and fibre, which supports digestion and improves overall gut health. It is also loaded with vitamins and minerals, which help maintain energy levels throughout the day.
Unlike other lentils, Masoor Dal cooks in under 30 minutes and requires no pre-soaking. So, the next time you are shopping groceries, make sure to add Masoor Dal to your cart to enjoy this recipe.
Ingredients for Masoor Dal recipe
Most of these ingredients are pantry staples and can be found easily while shopping groceries online. To make this Masoor Dal recipe, you’ll need:
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Masoor Dal (red lentils)
- 3 cups water
- 1 medium onion
- 1 medium tomato
- 2 cloves garlic
- ½ inch ginger
Spices
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
- ½ teaspoon red chilli powder
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon salt
Final Garnish & Serving:
- Fresh cilantro
- ½ lemon or lime
- 1 teaspoon butter or extra ghee
Step-by-Step Masoor Dal Recipe
Right from preparation to garnishing, follow these instructions to have yourself a wholesome and flavourful Masoor Dal recipe meal in no time.
Step 01: Prep Ingredients
- Rinse 1 cup of Masoor Dal under running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, which prevents the Dal from becoming too sticky.
- Finely chop 1 onion, 1 tomato, 2 garlic cloves and ½ inch ginger.
Step 02: Sauté Spices
- In a large pot or pressure cooker, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee or oil over medium heat.
- Add ½ teaspoon cumin seeds and ½ teaspoon mustard seeds (if using).
- Stir in chopped onions, garlic and ginger. Sauté until onions turn golden brown.
- Add chopped tomatoes, ½ teaspoon turmeric powder, ½ teaspoon red chilli powder, and salt to taste. Cook until the tomatoes are mushy and soft.
Step 03: Cook the Dal
- Add the rinsed Masoor Dal to the pot and mix with the sautéed spices.
- Pour in 3 cups of water and stir everything together.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiled, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. If using a pressure cooker, cook for 2-3 whistles on medium heat.
- Once the Dal is soft and creamy, stir in ½ teaspoon garam masala (optional). Adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 04: Final Serving
- Prepare a simple tadka (optional): Heat 1 teaspoon of ghee or oil in a small pan. Add ½ teaspoon of cumin seeds, a pinch of asafoetida, dried red chillies and curry leaves. Pour this over the cooked Dal.
- Garnish with a squeeze of lemon juice and fresh cilantro.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or roti or as soup.
Conclusion
There’s something truly special about a simple bowl of Dal. Masoor Dal recipe is a quick, nutritious and budget-friendly meal that requires minimal effort.
With simple ingredients that you can easily pick up while shopping groceries, this dish is indeed perfect for busy days.