Red Lentil Dal (Masoor Dal) – Indian Style

Step 1: Prepare Onion

Chop 1 onion into small pieces.

Step 2: Sauté Onion

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and lightly golden brown.

Step 3: Add Aromatics and Spices

Add 1 tablespoon of ginger paste, 1 tablespoon of crushed garlic, and 2-3 teaspoons of curry powder to the pot. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes

Dice 3 tomatoes into small pieces. Add the diced tomatoes to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften and break down, forming a saucy mixture.

Step 5: Prepare Lentils

Rinse 1 1/3 cups of red/orange lentils thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear. Drain well.

Step 6: Combine and Cook

Add the rinsed and drained lentils to the pot. Pour in 4 cups of water or stock. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 7: Simmer the Dal

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for about 25 minutes. During this time, open the lid every 4-5 minutes and stir to prevent the lentils from sticking to the bottom and ensure even cooking.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

After 25 minutes, turn off the heat. Add about 1/2 cup of freshly chopped coriander to the dal and stir well to combine. Serve the hot dal immediately.

• Serve hot with rice, naan, or roti.

• Adjust the amount of curry powder and pepper to suit your spice preference.

• For a thicker dal, cook uncovered for a few extra minutes at the end, stirring occasionally.

• If you prefer a smoother dal, you can mash some of the lentils against the side of the pot with a spoon after cooking.

• Add a tempering (tadka) of mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves in ghee or oil at the end for an extra layer of flavor.

• Incorporate other vegetables like spinach or carrots for added nutrition.

• Use vegetable broth instead of water for a richer base flavor.