Moong Dal Recipe: Moong Dal, derived from split yellow lentils, stands as a nutritious and quintessential Indian comfort dish, rich in protein and a staple among vegetarians. This quick and easy recipe allows you to prepare it at home within 30 minutes, offering a wholesome meal when paired with rice and roti. Follow the step-by-step instructions below, accompanied by detailed photos.
Ingredients:
Moong Dal Recipe
- 1/2 cup Moong Dal (split green grams without skin)
- 2 tablespoons Cooking Oil
- 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
- 3-4 Garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 Green Chillies, finely chopped
- 1 Dry Red Chilli, broken into two pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon Ginger, grated
- 4-5 Curry Leaves
- 1/2 Tomato, diced
- 1/4 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Chilli Powder
- 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder, optional
- 1½ teaspoons Lemon juice
- 1½ cups Water
- 1 tablespoon Coriander Leaves (chopped)
- Salt, to taste
Directions:
Moong Dal Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Moong Dal Recipe
- Wash moong dal in water and soak it for 30 minutes (optional step).
- After soaking, drain the dal.
- Transfer it to a pressure cooker (3-litre capacity) and add 1½ cups water, turmeric powder, and salt.
- Pressure cook on medium flame for 2 whistles. Turn off the flame and let it cool; remove the lid after the pressure naturally comes down.
Step 2: Tempering Process
- Heat cooking oil in a small pan. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle.
- Add crushed garlic, chopped green chillies, dry red chilli, grated ginger, and curry leaves. Sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add diced tomato and cook for a minute. Incorporate red chilli powder and coriander powder.
- Remove from heat and pour this tempering over the cooked dal. Adjust salt if necessary.
Step 3: Finalizing the Dish
- Add lemon juice and 1/3 cup water. Mix well and boil for 2-3 minutes.
- Turn off the flame and transfer it to a serving bowl. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve the yellow moong dal with steamed rice or plain paratha.
Tips and Variations:
- If time is a constraint, skip soaking the dal in step 1; instead, add 2 cups of water in step 3 and pressure cook for 3 whistles.
- To achieve a thinner consistency, add 1 cup of additional water before adding the tempering and boil for a few minutes.
- Consider using only 1 teaspoon of oil for tempering to reduce calorie content.
- For an alternative cooking method, follow steps 3 and 4 using a saucepan or deep kadai.
Taste: Mildly spicy
Serving Ideas: Ideal when served with rice, curry, roti, and papad, creating a healthy and wholesome meal.
Conclusion:
Incorporating Moong Dal Recipe into your culinary repertoire not only provides a rich source of protein but also offers a quick and wholesome meal option. With these FAQs, we aim to enhance your cooking experience, ensuring that every bowl of moong dal delights your taste buds with its mild spiciness and nutritional goodness. Enjoy this versatile dish with rice, roti, or as a side to elevate your dining experience.
FAQs
About Moong Dal Recipe
Is soaking moong dal necessary, or can I skip this step for a quicker preparation?
Soaking Moong Dal Recipe is optional. If you’re short on time, feel free to skip the soaking step and pressure cook it for 3 whistles for an expedited cooking process.
Can I adjust the consistency of the dal to make it thicker or more watery?
Certainly. To achieve a thicker or more diluted consistency, simply add more or less water according to your preference before incorporating the tempering. Adjust the boiling time accordingly.
Is it possible to reduce the oil content without compromising the flavor?
Yes, you can opt for a lighter version by using only 1 teaspoon of oil during the tempering process. This adjustment will help reduce the overall calorie count without sacrificing taste.
Can I cook moong dal without a pressure cooker?
Absolutely. If you prefer not to use a pressure cooker, you can cook the dal in a saucepan or deep kadai. Boil it on low flame until the dal is cooked, stirring occasionally. The consistency can be checked by mashing a few grains to ensure they are easily mashed.
How long can I store the moong dal, and what is the best way to reheat it?
The dal can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water if needed to restore the desired consistency.
