Masoor Dal Fry is a popular and comforting Indian lentil dish that is packed with flavors and nutrition. It is made using masoor dal, also known as red lentils. Masoor Dal Fry is known for its simplicity and wholesome taste, making it a staple in many Indian households. It is often served with steamed rice or roti, and it can be enjoyed as a satisfying main course or a nutritious side dish.
About this recipe
This Masoor Dal Fry recipe is a delightful twist on the classic Indian lentil dish. With a unique tadka (tempering) method and a blend of aromatic spices, this version takes the flavors to a whole new level. The combination of onions, tomatoes, ginger-garlic paste, and spices creates a rich and robust base that infuses the lentils with an irresistible taste.
To begin, I start by rinsing and soaking the masoor dal, allowing it to plump up and soften. While the lentils soak, I prepare the tadka by sautéing finely chopped onions until they turn golden brown. Then, I add in the ginger-garlic paste and cook it for a minute, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully. Next, I toss in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy, creating a luscious base for the dal. And finally, to enhance the flavors, I sprinkle in a blend of spices like turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and red chili powder.
Once the tadka is ready, I add the masoor dal, which has been soaked and drained beforehand, into the pan. I give it a good stir, ensuring that the dal is well-coated with the aromatic tadka. Then, I pour in water and let it simmer until the dal becomes soft and mushy, creating a creamy texture that is incredibly comforting.
Once the masoor dal is cooked to perfection, I add a tadka to give this dal a flavor boost and finally garnish it with freshly chopped coriander leaves, which adds a burst of freshness. The final result is a hearty and wholesome masoor dal fry that can be enjoyed with steamed rice, roti, or naan.
Ingredients for masoor dal fry
Get ready to cook up a delightful bowl of Masoor Dal Fry with these simple and readily available ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Masoor Dal (Red Lentils): The star ingredient of the dish, masoor dal is a type of lentil that is red or orange in color. It is widely used in Indian cuisine and has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor.
Onion: Finely chopped onions are used to make masoor dal fry. They add a hint of sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
Tomato: Tomatoes are essential for creating a flavorful and slightly tangy base for the dal fry. They add a touch of acidity and help balance the flavors.
Ginger-Garlic Paste: Ginger garlic paste is a common ingredient used in Indian and many other cuisines. It is a blend of fresh ginger root and garlic cloves that are ground together to form a smooth paste.
Spices: Various spices are used to season the dal and add depth of flavor. Common spices include turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. These spices contribute to the distinct taste profile of the dish.
Ghee: A small amount of ghee (clarified butter) is used for sautéing the onions, ginger-garlic paste, and tomatoes. It adds richness and helps enhance the flavors.
Water: Water is needed to cook the dal to the desired consistency. The amount of water may vary based on the desired thickness of the dal.
Salt: A pinch of salt is added to taste, enhancing the flavors of the dal and balancing the overall taste.
Optional ingredients or variations may include fresh coriander leaves for garnishing, lemon juice for a tangy twist, or green chilies for added heat.
These ingredients come together to create a flavorful and hearty Masoor Dal Fry, a beloved dish in Indian cuisine.
Health benefits of masoor dal fry
Masoor Dal Fry not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers numerous health benefits. Packed with essential nutrients, this dish is a great addition to a balanced diet. The red lentils used in Masoor Dal Fry are a rich source of protein, which is crucial for building and repairing tissues. They are also high in dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion and aiding in weight management.
Additionally, masoor dal is packed with iron, which helps prevent anemia and supports the production of red blood cells. The dish also contains a variety of spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Enjoying Masoor Dal Fry not only tantalizes your taste buds but also nourishes your body.
You can check out my other recipes by clicking here:
Aloo Ka Raita | Potato Raita | Delicious and Easy Aloo Raita Recipe for a Refreshing Side Dish
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Beetroot Paratha: A Delicious and Nutritious Indian Flatbread
Sabudana Usal | Sabudana Khichadi | Easy and Non sticky sabudana usal recipe
Mango Mawa Rabdi | Mango rabdi Recipe | Indian Mango Dessert
Mango Lassi – A delicious summer drink | How to make mango lassi | Mango lassi benefits
Masoor Dal Fry Recipe
Masoor dal fry
Ingredients Â
- 1 tbsp Ghee/Clarified butter
- 1/4 tsp Jeera/Cumin seeds
- 1 cup Masoor dal / Red lentil
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 1 large Tomato, finely chopped
- 1 Green chili, slit
- 1 tsp Ginger garlic paste
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric
- 1/2 tsp Red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp Coriander powder
- 1/4 tsp Garam masala
- Salt, to taste
- 2 cups Water, for cooking
Ingredients for tadka/tempering
- 1 tsp Ghee
- 2-3 Garlic cloves, chopped
- 1/4 tsp Jeera/Cumin seeds
- 1 Dried red chilli, broken
- A pinch of asafoetida
InstructionsÂ
- Rinse the masoor dal under running water until the water runs clear. Soak it in water for about 10 minutes.
- In a pan/kadhai, heat ghee. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Allow them to splutter.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and green chilies. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and mushy.
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, jeera powder, garam masala and salt. Give it a good mix.
- Add soaked masoor dal and mix well with the onion and tomato mixture.
- Add water, kasuri methi and mix well. Simmer the flame to low. Cover and allow it to cook until dal turn soft and mushy.
Preparing tadka/tempering
- In a small pan, heat a little ghee. Add chopped garlic. Sauté till it turns slightly golden.
- Add jeera, asafoetida and red chili powder. Let it sizzle for a few seconds.
- Pour this tempering over the cooked dal, giving it a final flavor boost. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve Masoor Dal Tadka hot with rice, roti, or naan.
Recipe with step-by-step photos
- Rinse the masoor dal under running water until the water runs clear. Soak it in water for about 10 minutes.
2. In a pan/kadhai, heat ghee. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Allow them to splutter.
3. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
4. Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
5. Add the chopped tomatoes and green chilies. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and mushy.
6. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, jeera powder, garam masala and salt. Give it a good mix.
7. Add soaked masoor dal and mix well with the onion and tomato mixture.
8. Add water, kasuri methi and mix well. Simmer the flame to low. Cover and allow it to cook until dal turn soft and mushy.
Preparing tadka/tempering
1. In a small pan, heat a little ghee. Add chopped garlic. Sauté till it turns slightly golden.
2. Add jeera, asafoetida and dried red chili. Let it sizzle for a few seconds.
3. Pour this tempering over the cooked dal, giving it a final flavor boost. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
4. Serve Masoor Dal Tadka hot with rice, roti, or naan.
Notes
You can replace ghee with oil. While ghee provides a rich flavor, you can use other cooking oils of your choice. Keep in mind that the taste might differ slightly, but it will still be delicious.
You can adjust the amount of spices according to your taste.
Though I use stove-top method to make masoor dal, you can make this using pressure cook method as well.
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