Masoor Dal Recipe
Masoor Dal Recipe: As a housewife and a food critic, I have had the pleasure of cooking and tasting various dishes from different cuisines. Among my favorites is the Masoor Dal or Red Lentil Soup. The warm, comforting aroma of this dish wafts through my kitchen, reminding me of the home-cooked meals of my childhood. The smooth and creamy texture, combined with the subtle spiciness of the flavors, creates a harmonious taste that is both satisfying and nourishing.
What is Masoor Dal / Red Lentil Soup
Masoor Dal, also known as Red Lentil Soup, is a popular dish in Indian cuisine. It is made with red lentils that are cooked with spices and herbs, creating a thick and creamy soup. This dish is widely popular due to its simplicity and the fact that it is an easy and quick meal to prepare. It can be served with rice, bread, or roti, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
Variations of Masoor Dal / Red Lentil Soup
Spiced Masoor Dal: This variation of the dish adds more spices to the lentils, creating a spicier and bolder flavor. The added spices can include cumin, coriander, garam masala, and chili powder.
Tomato and Masoor Dal: This variation includes the addition of tomato puree to the lentils, giving it a slightly tangy flavor and a beautiful red color. This variation is perfect for those who prefer a slightly sweeter taste.
Coconut Masoor Dal: This variation includes the addition of coconut milk to the lentils, creating a creamier and milder flavor. The added coconut milk gives the dish a touch of sweetness, making it perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
Masoor Dal with Vegetables: This variation includes the addition of vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and peas, making it a more nutritious and filling meal. The added vegetables provide a crunchy texture and a burst of flavor to the dish.
Nutrition – Masoor Dal / Red Lentil Soup
Masoor Dal is a nutritious and healthy dish that is packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. Red lentils are a great source of protein, making it a perfect meal for those who are vegetarian or vegan. The added spices and herbs, such as cumin and coriander, have been shown to have numerous health benefits, including aiding in digestion and boosting the immune system. This dish is low in fat and calories, making it a great option for those who are trying to maintain a healthy diet.
Masoor Dal is a delicious, comforting, and nourishing dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy meal or something to warm you up on a cold day, this dish is sure to hit the spot.
Step by Step Masoor Dal Recipe
Masoor Dal Recipe / Red Lentil Soup
Ingredients
For Cooking Dal
- 1 cup masoor dal or orange lentils or split yellow lentils
- 3 cups water
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp salt
For Tadka
- 2 tbsp ghee / clarified butter
- 2 onions
- 2 to Tomato
- 3 green chillies
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 inch ginger
- 1 tsp cumin / jeera
- ¼ tsp Red Chilli Powder
- ¼ coriander powder
- pinch Asafoetida / hing
- ¼ tsp garam masala
- 1.5 cup water
- ½ tsp aamchur / dry mango powder
- 2 tbsp coriander leaves / cilantro
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash thoroughly Dal with running water until it comes clean.
- Soak Lentils / dal for 30 minutes.
- Wash and finely chop onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, green chillies and coriander leaves.
Cooking
- If you want to cook Dal in a Pressure Cooker, then you don’t need to presoak it and with 3 to 3.5 cups of water, add turmeric powder and salt. Pressure cook the Lentils until they turn soft and mushy. Pressure cook for 4-5 whistles on medium flame.
- If you want to cook Dal in a Cook Pot, then presoak it for 30 minutes, so that Dal will turn soft quickly. Presoaking will save your cooking time. Then, with 3 cups of water start cooking Dal. Also add salt and turmeric powder into it. Cook till it turns soft and mushy.
- Keep the cooked Orange Lentils aside. If Lentils / Masoor Dal are not cooked, then add some more water and pressure cook for a few whistles more or cook in a Cook Pot for some more time.
- In a Kadai / Wok, heat oil. Add ginger and garlic and saute them till they turn golden brown.
- Then add onions and sate them till they turn light golden.
- Now, add tomatoes and green chillies.
- Add cumin and all dry spice powders except dry mango powder & garam masala.
- Saute everything till the tomatoes start releasing oil and everything cooked well.
- Add cooked Dal into it and mix well. Adjust the consistency of Dal as per your preference.
- Lastly, garnish Dal Tadka with fresh chopped coriander leaves.
- Tada! Your Masoor Dal / Dal Tadka is ready to serve.
- You can serve this Masoor Dal Recipe with roti / paratha or steamed / jeera rice.
Equipment Used for This Recipe
Notes & Tips
- Spiciness: To get the bright orangish-red color, it is best to use Kashmiri red chilli powder or deghi mirch.
- Clarified Butter: You can also use any neutral tasting oil, if you don’t want to use clarified butrer / ghee. However, tadka prepared in ghee makes this dal more tasteful.
- Tomatoes: You can use readymade tomato puree also in case you are out of tomatoes or not available at your place.
- Ginger Garlic Paste: You can use ginger garlic paste in case fresh ginger and garlic are not available at your place. However, I recommend to use fresh ginger and garlic for better taste and aroma.
- Ingredients & Equipments: Find these Ingredients & Equipments at Indian specialty food stores / Grocery Stores or Online Stores. For review of some stores, please refer to the Grocery Review Section on our Website.
Nutrition Information (Note: Approximate)
FAQs – Masoor Dal Recipe
What is Masoor Dal?
Masoor Dal, also known as Red Lentil, is a staple ingredient in Indian cooking. It is a type of lentil that is widely used to make soups, stews, and curries, and is a staple in many vegetarian and vegan households. Masoor Dal is known for its unique flavor, rich nutrition, and ease of cooking.
What are the main ingredients in Masoor Dal?
The main ingredients in Masoor Dal are red lentils, water, and spices. Some popular spices used in Masoor Dal include cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, and garam masala. Some variations of Masoor Dal also include the addition of onions, tomatoes, and garlic for added flavor and nutrition.
Can Masoor Dal be made vegan?
Yes, Masoor Dal is naturally vegan and can be easily made without any animal-based ingredients. Some variations of Masoor Dal may contain dairy, so be sure to check the recipe and make any necessary substitutions.
What are some variations of Masoor Dal?
There are many variations of Masoor Dal, including a thin, soupy version, and a thicker, stew-like version. Some variations also include the addition of vegetables, such as carrots and potatoes, for added nutrition and flavor.
How long does Masoor Dal keep in the fridge?
Masoor Dal can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To extend its shelf life, store it in an airtight container and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until it’s hot and fully heated through.
What are some tips to make the perfect Masoor Dal?
Here are a few tips to make the perfect Masoor Dal:
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.
- Cook the lentils over medium heat, stirring frequently, to ensure even cooking.
- Use high-quality, fresh spices for the best flavor.
- Cook the dish until the lentils are tender, but not mushy.
- Add vegetables, such as potatoes or carrots, for added nutrition and flavor.
What are some dishes to serve with Masoor Dal?
Masoor Dal is typically served with rice or Indian flatbreads, like roti or naan. It can also be served with quinoa or other grain dishes for a complete meal. This dish is also a popular choice for special occasions and is often served at festivals and celebrations in India.
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