Red Lentils (Masoor) Dal: Indian Recipe

Dals are one of the most popular side dishes in the Indian cuisine. Different types of dal are used to prepare the side dish. Lentils in red or yellow are most commonly used in the Indian cuisine. Dals are of various types. For example, moong dal, masoor dal, toor dal, urad dal, channa dal, kabuli dal and many other are used in Indian side dishes.

It is hard to find an Indian household that does not stock up different types dals. As dals have to prepared on a daily basis, we need to have a lot of dals on board to maintain the variety. Dals are one of the side dishes in the Indian cuisine that can be teamed up with both rice and roti.

Red lentils or masoor dal is very good for people suffering from bile reflux, and it also improves the blood circulation in the body. So, here is a simple red lentils dal recipe in Indian style. The best partt about dals is, you can even take them for lunch. Take a look...

Red Lentils (Masoor) Dal: Indian Side Dish Recipe

Serves: 3
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

1. Red lentils/masoor dal- 1 cup (soaked for 30 minutes)
2. Onions- 2 (chopped)
3. Garlic- 5-6 pods (minced)
4. Green chillies- 3-4 (chopped)
5. Tomato- 1 (chopped)
6. Turmeric powder- 1tsp
7. Red chilli powder- 1tsp
8. Garam masala- ½ tsp
9. Cumin seeds- 1tsp
10. Ghee- 2tsp
11. Salt- as per taste

Procedure

1. In a pressure cooker, add the soaked dal with water. Sprinkle salt and turmeric powder. Mix and pressure cook for a duration of 4-5 whistles.
2. Meanwhile, melt ghee in a frying pan. Season with cumin seeds.
3. Saute onions on a medium flame for about 2 minutes.
4. Add garlic and mix well. Saute and cook till the onions become translucent.
5. Open the lid of the cooker once the pressure is released. Whisk the dal once. Keep it aside.
6. Now add green chillies, garam masala and tomatoes. Saute on a medium flame for 3-4 minutes more.
7. Once the tomatoes become tender, add the red chilli powder and immediately pour boiled dal into the pan. Stir well and bring it to boil.
8. Check the taste of salt. If need be, add more salt. If salt is more by mistake, add a little water and boil it.
9. Once done, put the pan off flame.

Red lentils (masoor) dal is ready to eat. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and sprinkle lemon juice before serving the Indian side dish.