RED LENTIL CURRY | MASOOR DAL TADKA | MASOOR DAL RECIPE

masoor dal

🥗Healthier: green lentils

💰Cheaper: split peas

Green lentils are nutritious and split peas are often less expensive.

oil

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Coconut oil adds flavor while being a healthier fat.

green chili

🥗Healthier: jalapeño

💰Cheaper: bell pepper

Jalapeño provides heat while bell pepper can add sweetness.

garam masala

🥗Healthier: curry powder

💰Cheaper: mixed spices

Curry powder can be a more accessible spice blend.

Wash the lentils very well until the water runs clear.

Use a pressure cooker to cook the dal; add 3 cups of hot water, 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

Pressure cook for 10 minutes, then allow the pressure to be released naturally and open the lid.

Mix the cooked lentils with a ladle or spoon; they should be perfectly cooked.

Prepare a spice paste by mixing red chili powder (optional), turmeric powder, and ground coriander with a few tablespoons of water in a bowl.

Heat oil in a wok over medium heat until shimmering; add cumin seeds and ensure the oil is not smoking hot.

Add chopped onions and a sprinkle of salt; stir on medium-high heat until the edges start to brown.

Add grated ginger and chopped garlic; stir for a minute and then lower the heat.

Add the spice paste to the wok and stir for a second before adding chopped tomatoes and a sprinkle of salt.

Stir on medium-high heat until the tomatoes soften and become pulpy.

Add chopped coriander stems and chopped green chili; then add the cooked dal, scraping all the dal goodness into the wok.

Add more hot water to achieve the desired consistency, tasting and adjusting salt as needed.

Let the mixture simmer uncovered on medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Add chopped coriander leaves on top before finishing.

In a small pan, heat ghee over medium-low heat; add a dry red chili and sliced garlic.

Once the garlic is slightly browned, remove from heat and add a pinch of red chili powder.

Pour this mixture over the dal as a tarka.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary