Description
The Best Dal Recipe is a comforting and flavorful Indian lentil dish featuring red lentils cooked to creamy perfection and tempered with aromatic spices. This wholesome, protein-rich meal is easy to prepare, customizable to your spice preferences, and perfect for any occasion, whether a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Lentils and Base
- 1 cup Red Lentils (Masoor Dal)
- 3 cups Water (adjust for consistency)
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
Tempering (Tadka)
- 2 tablespoons Ghee or Oil (for vegan use oil)
- 1 teaspoon Mustard Seeds
- 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
- 2 cloves Garlic, finely minced
- 1 inch Ginger, finely minced
- 1–2 Green Chilies, chopped (adjust to taste)
Additional Flavorings
- 1 medium Tomato, diced
- 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh Cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse and Soak Lentils: Thoroughly rinse the red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear to remove any dust and impurities. Optionally, soak the lentils for 15-20 minutes to help achieve a softer texture faster while cooking.
- Cook the Lentils: Add the rinsed lentils to a pot with 3 cups of water and turmeric powder. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the lentils are completely soft and beginning to break down.
- Prepare the Tempering (Tadka): In a separate pan, heat ghee or oil over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds, letting them sizzle and pop until fragrant. Then add finely chopped garlic, ginger, and green chilies; sauté until golden and aromatic.
- Incorporate Tomatoes and Spices: Add diced tomatoes, coriander powder, and salt to the tempering mixture. Cook until tomatoes soften and spices combine into a thick, flavorful base.
- Combine Lentils and Tempering: Pour the tempering into the cooked lentils, stirring well. Adjust water if needed to reach desired consistency, and simmer together for an additional 5-10 minutes to blend the flavors thoroughly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves over the dal just before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Stir the dal occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Adjust water amounts during cooking to achieve preferred thickness—either thick and creamy or a bit runny.
- Use freshly ground spices to amplify aroma and flavor.
- Let the dal rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to blend beautifully.
- Don’t skip the tempering step; it is essential for the dish’s signature explosion of flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg