Masoor Dal

Masoor Dal is a comforting, protein-rich lentil dish cooked with aromatic spices and a flavorful onion-tomato tadka.

Ingredients

1. Masoor dal 2 cups
2. Garam masala 1½ tsp
3. Turmeric 1½ tsp
4. Salt 1 tsp
5. Oil ⅓ cup
6. Onions chopped 1½
7. Garlic (1 whole head) chopped
8. Ginger 1-inch piece chopped
9. Jalapeno chiles 2 chopped
10. Tomatoes 2 chopped
11. Coriander 1 bunch chopped
12. Water

Instructions

1. Cooking the Dal

   • Rinse the masoor dal thoroughly until the water runs clear.
   • Bring 1 quart of water to a boil in a pot and add the dal.
   • Cook for 10–15 minutes until half done.
   • Add ½ tsp garam masala, ½ tsp turmeric, and salt.
   • Let the dal cook uncovered so the water evaporates and thickens.
   • Add more water as needed to keep a thick-cream consistency.
   • Turn off the heat once the dal becomes soft.

2. Preparing the Tadka

   • Heat oil in a wok until very hot.
   • Add chopped onions and sauté until tender and translucent.
   • Add garlic, ginger, and chopped chiles.
   • Fry until onions turn deep yellow.
   • Add remaining 1 tsp garam masala and 1 tsp turmeric.
   • Stir continuously to avoid burning the spices.
   • Keep stirring until the mixture begins to stick lightly.

3. Finishing the Dal

   • Add chopped tomatoes and coriander to the tadka.
   • Cook until the tomatoes soften.
   • Add this tadka to the cooked dal and mix well.