Three Easy Red Lentil Dal Recipes (Masoor Dal)
Common Lentil Base
Jeera (Cumin) Dal Tempering
Garlic Dal Tempering
Tomato Dal Tempering
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow each step to make the recipe successfully.
Wash Lentils
Measure 1 cup of red lentils (masoor dal) and wash them thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. Drain the water.
Boil Lentils
Add 3 cups of water to a deep pot and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the washed lentils, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 tsp turmeric powder, and 1-2 green chillies (optional). Stir well.
Skim Scum
As the lentils boil, a white scum will float to the top. Use a ladle to skim this off.
Simmer and Stir
the heat to low and cover the pot partially. Let the lentils until tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This will take about . If using a pressure cooker, it takes about .
Add Salt and Ghee
Once the lentils are almost tender, add 1 tsp salt (or to taste) and 1 tsp ghee (clarified butter). Stir to combine.
Mash Lentils
Use a wooden masher (dal ghutni) or a to mash the cooked lentils to your desired consistency. The base dal is now ready for .
Prepare Jeera Dal Tempering
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a separate deep pot or pan on medium heat. Once the oil is hot, lower the heat and add 1 tsp cumin seeds. Let the seeds crackle to release their flavor. Add 1 dry red chilli and stir.
Combine Jeera Dal
Add several spoonfuls of the cooked dal base into the pan. Stir well to combine the with the dal. If the dal is too thick, add a little water to reach your desired consistency. Let it boil for about .
Garnish Jeera Dal
Stir in 1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves. Your Jeera Dal is now ready. Pour into a serving bowl.
Prepare Garlic Dal Tempering
Heat 1 tbsp ghee (clarified butter) in a clean pot on medium heat. Once the ghee is slightly warm, add 1 tbsp chopped garlic. Fry the garlic on low to medium heat until it turns golden brown. Add 1 dry red chilli (optional) and stir.
Combine Garlic Dal
Add several spoonfuls of the cooked dal base into the pan. Stir well. Let it boil for . Add water if you prefer a thinner consistency. Taste and add salt if needed.
Garnish Garlic Dal
Stir in 1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves. Your Garlic Dal is now ready. Pour into a serving bowl.
Prepare Tomato Dal Base
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a clean pot on medium heat. Once the oil is hot, lower the heat and add 1 tsp cumin seeds. Let the seeds splutter.
Cook Onions and Spices
Add 1/2 cup chopped onions and a pinch of salt to the pan. Fry on medium heat until the onions turn pale. Then, add 1/2 tsp red chilli powder and stir well.
Add Tomatoes and Sugar
Add 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes to the pan. Cover the pot and cook on medium heat for until the tomatoes turn soft and pulpy. Stir in 1 tsp brown sugar.
Combine Tomato Dal
Add several spoonfuls of the cooked dal base into the pan with the tomato mixture. Rinse the dal pot with 1/2 cup water and add it to the dal for a thinner consistency. Stir well. Taste and add salt if needed. Let it boil for . Pour into a serving bowl.
Prepare Final Tomato Dal Tempering
Take a small, clean pan and heat 1 tbsp oil on medium heat. Once the oil is hot, lower the heat to the lowest possible mark. Add 1 tsp brown mustard seeds and let them splutter. Switch off the stove.
Finish Tomato Dal
Add 1/2 tsp red chilli powder and 1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves to the pan. Immediately pour this over the Tomato Dal in the serving bowl.
Before You Cook
Helpful details before you startIngredient SubstitutionsMissing something? View suitable alternatives.View 6 swaps
No Butter?
- 3/4 the amount of olive oil (for cooking, not baking)
- Equal parts ghee — Slightly nuttier flavor.
- Equal parts coconut oil (in baking)
No Ghee?
- Unsalted butter (1:1)
- Neutral oil (1:1, lacks the toasted note)
No Cilantro?
- Flat-leaf parsley (1:1, milder)
- Fresh mint (in chutneys, salads)
No Garlic (fresh)?
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (per clove)
- 1/2 tsp garlic granules (per clove)
No Onion?
- 1 tbsp onion powder (per medium onion)
- 3 tbsp dried minced onion
- Shallots or leeks (1:1)
No Brown sugar?
- 1 cup white sugar + 1 tbsp molasses
- Coconut sugar (1:1)
Variations
Simple ways to adapt this recipe.
- Use butter or oil insteadIngredient swap
Use butter or oil instead of ghee for tempering.
- Use cayenne pepper or paprikaIngredient swap
Use cayenne pepper or paprika instead of red chili powder.
- Use jaggery or white sugarIngredient swap
Use jaggery or white sugar instead of brown sugar.
- Use curry powder instead ofIngredient swap
Use curry powder instead of chili powder for tomato dal tempering.
Helpful Tips
Small details that can improve the final result.
Your Notes
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