Description
A flavorful and nutritious Indian dish made with split yellow lentils, spices, and garnished with fresh cilantro.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup split yellow lentils (toor dal or moong dal)
- 4 cups water
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. In a large pot, combine the lentils and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and cooked through. Stir occasionally and add more water if necessary to prevent sticking.
- In a separate pan, heat the ghee or oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. Then, add the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, cooking for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes soften and the oil starts to separate from the mixture, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the lentils are cooked, add them to the tomato-onion mixture. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes. Adjust the consistency with more water if needed.
- Finally, sprinkle garam masala and stir well. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro and lemon juice if desired.
- Serve hot with rice or naan.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, you can blend half of the cooked dal before adding it to the onion-tomato mixture.
- Add vegetables like spinach or carrots to the dal for added nutrition and flavor. Simply chop and add them to the pot while the lentils are cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg