Cooking masala curry dal with lentils is a delightful and nutritious dish that’s not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavors. This step-by-step guide will help you create a delicious masala curry dal that you can enjoy with rice or bread. Let’s dive into the details.
Ingredients:
- Lentils: Start with 1 cup of lentils (you can use red lentils, green lentils, or a mix).
- Vegetables: 1 large onion, 2 tomatoes, and 1 green chili.
- Spices: 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds, 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds, 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 tablespoon of garam masala, 1 tablespoon of coriander powder, and salt to taste.
- Herbs: Fresh cilantro for garnish.
- Ginger-Garlic Paste: 1 tablespoon.
- Oil or Ghee: 2 tablespoons.
- Water: Approximately 4 cups.
- Optional: 1 cup of coconut milk for added richness.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Lentils:
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly in cold water.
- In a large pot, add the lentils and 4 cups of water.
- Bring it to a boil and then simmer until the lentils are tender. This might take 20-30 minutes depending on the type of lentils you are using.
2. Chop the Vegetables:
- Finely chop the onion, tomatoes, and green chili.
3. Saute the Aromatics:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee in a pan.
- Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Allow them to splutter.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until they are golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another 2 minutes.
4. Add Spices:
- Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt.
- Stir well to combine the spices and let them cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add Tomatoes and Green Chili:
- Add the chopped tomatoes and green chili to the spice mix.
- Cook until the tomatoes are soft and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
6. Combine Lentils and Spice Mixture:
- Once the lentils are cooked, add them to the spice mixture.
- If the consistency is too thick, add more water to achieve the desired thickness.
7. Optional: Add Coconut Milk for Creaminess:
- For a creamy texture, you can add 1 cup of coconut milk at this stage. Stir well.
8. Simmer and Garnish:
- Let the dal simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro.
9. Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the dal and adjust the salt and spice levels according to your preference.
10. Serve:
- Your masala curry dal is ready to be served! Enjoy it with rice or your favorite bread.
This masala curry dal recipe is versatile, and you can customize it by adding vegetables of your choice or adjusting the spice levels. Experiment with the ingredients to suit your taste, and you’ll have a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
