Masoor Dal is a delicious dish of brown lentils cooked Indian-style. Also called Sabut Masoor ki Dal or Khadi Masoor Dal, this gluten-free, vegan dish is rich in plant protein.Serve it with rice or roti and enjoy a nutritious and filling meal.
Wash 1 cup Sabut Masoor Dal (whole brown lentils) under running water till the water runs clear.
Soak the Masoor Dal in 3 cups water for at least 1 hour.
Drain the water the dal is soaked in and add 2 cups of fresh water.
Pressure cook the dal till soft. 3 whistles should do the trick as it cooks rather quickly. You can also cook the lentils on an open flame; if you choose to do this, use 3 cups of water.
Let the pressure cooker depressurize, and then remove the dal from the cooker.
Using a heavy ladle, mix the dal well so it get mashed slightly.
Making the Masoor Dal
In a kadhai or heavy bottomed vessel, heat 1 tsp ghee or oil.
Add 1 cup finely chopped onion and stir-fry till transparent.
Add 1 tsp minced garlic and 1 tsp grated ginger.
Stir-fry for a few seconds till the mix is aromatic.
Add 1/2 cup finely chopped tomatoes and stir-fry till tomato pieces are soft and well-stewed.
Add 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp chilli powder, an optional 1/2 tsp garam masala, and salt to taste. Mix well.
Add the cooked masoor dal and mix well.
Add water to adjust to a thick but flowy consistency, and mix well. I added about 1/3 cup water.
Let the dal cook in the masala for about 5 minutes.
Turn off the heat.
Cover and set aside for 10 minutes.
Serving Suggestions for Masoor Dal
Serve warm with rotis.
Serve rice topped with ghee, and papad.
Notes
Do soak the brown lentils before you cook them. This makes them easier to cook AND lends the dal a creamy texture.
You can replace the Garam Masala with Goda Masala or Kala Masala to change the flavour profile.
You can add the soaked dal to the cooked onion+tomato mix and then pressure cook it. Will save you some more time without compromising on taste or texture.
Keyword Brown Lentils, High-protein recipe, Indian Style Brown Lentils, Khadi Masoor Dal, Masoor Dal Khichdi, Plant protein, Plant-based Protein, Sabut Masoor ki Dal
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