Masoor Dal Recipe in English: Masoor Dal Tadka is a simple yet flavorful and nutritious lentil dish made with red lentils, a popular recipe from North Indian cuisine. It’s quick to prepare and can be ready in 20-25 minutes. While we’ve used a pressure cooker for efficiency, you can also cook it on the stove or in an instant pot. Follow the recipe below with step-by-step photos to make it at home.
Masoor Dal Recipe in English Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Masoor Dal (red lentils)
- 2 tablespoons Oil
- 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon grated Ginger (or ginger paste)
- 1 Green Chilli, chopped
- 2-3 small cloves of Garlic, chopped
- A pinch of Hing (Asafoetida), optional
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Chilli Powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin-Coriander Powder, optional
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 large Tomato, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- 1/4 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- Salt, to taste
- 1½ cups Water
- 1/2 tablespoon Lemon Juice (or to taste)
Masoor Dal Recipe in English Directions:
- Take 1/2 cup of masoor dal (red lentils) in a bowl or pot.
- Wash the dal 2-3 times or until the water runs clear. Drain the excess water.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a 2-3 liter capacity pressure cooker over medium flame. Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds, 1/2 teaspoon of grated ginger, 1 chopped green chilli, 2-3 chopped garlic cloves, and a pinch of hing.
- Sauté until the garlic turns light golden.
- In the meantime, take 1/2 teaspoon of red chilli powder and 1 teaspoon of cumin-coriander powder in a small bowl or plate.
- Transfer the tempering mixture (tadka) to the plate over the red chilli powder. Set it aside until needed.
- Add 1 medium chopped onion and sauté until it turns light pink.
- Add 1 large chopped tomato and cook for a minute.
- Add the washed masoor dal, 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a minute.
- Add 1½ cups of water and mix well.
- Close the lid and pressure cook the dal for 2 whistles over medium flame.
- Turn off the flame and let the pressure release naturally. Open the lid. Add 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice and the tadka mixture prepared earlier. Mix well.
- Check the consistency of the dal. If you prefer watery dal, add some water and boil the dal for 4-5 minutes over medium flame. If you prefer thick dal, cook it until you get the desired thickness.
- Garnish with coriander leaves.
- Masoor Dal Tadka is ready to serve. Serve it with jeera rice, chapati, bhindi masala gravy, or papad for a complete meal in lunch or dinner.
Masoor Dal Recipe in English Tips and Variations:
- Adjust the amount of green chilli and red chilli powder according to your preference.
- For variation, add chopped vegetables like carrot, celery, or spinach.
Taste: Mildly Spicy
Serving Ideas: Serve masoor dal with jeera rice, chapati, and bhindi masala gravy for lunch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Masoor Dal Recipe in English is a flavorful and nutritious dish that offers a taste of North Indian cuisine. With its simple yet aromatic ingredients and quick cooking time, it’s a perfect choice for a satisfying meal. Whether enjoyed with rice, roti, or as part of a larger spread, Masoor Dal Tadka brings warmth and comfort to any dining table. Its versatility allows for customization, making it suitable for various tastes and preferences. Overall, Masoor Dal Tadka is a delicious and wholesome dish that continues to delight food enthusiasts around the world.
FAQs about Masoor Dal Recipe in English
What is Masoor Dal Tadka?
Masoor Dal Tadka is a popular dish from North Indian cuisine made with red lentils (masoor dal). It’s cooked with spices, onions, tomatoes, and seasoned with a tempering of spices like cumin seeds, ginger, garlic, and green chili.
How long does it take to make Masoor Dal Tadka?
Masoor Dal Tadka can be prepared in about 20-25 minutes. It’s a quick and easy recipe that can be cooked in a pressure cooker, on the stove, or in an instant pot.
What are the main ingredients needed to make Masoor Dal Tadka?
The main ingredients for Masoor Dal Tadka include red lentils (masoor dal), oil, cumin seeds, grated ginger, green chili, garlic, hing (optional), red chili powder, cumin-coriander powder (optional), onion, tomato, turmeric powder, salt, water, and lemon juice.
Can Masoor Dal Tadka be customized?
Yes, Masoor Dal Tadka can be customized according to personal preferences. You can adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of green chili and red chili powder. Additionally, you can add vegetables like carrots, celery, or spinach for variation.
What are some serving suggestions for Masoor Dal Tadka?
Masoor Dal Tadka pairs well with rice, roti (Indian flatbread), or naan. It can be served as a main dish along with vegetable curries or as a side dish with other Indian meals. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving for added flavor.
