Masoor Dal Recipe

Introduction

Masoor Dal is a simple and comforting Indian dal recipe made with red lentils, basic spices, onion, tomato, and a flavorful tadka. It is one of the easiest dal recipes and cooks faster than many other lentils. This Masoor Dal Recipe is perfect for everyday lunch or dinner. It is light, healthy, beginner-friendly, and tastes delicious with steamed rice, jeera rice, roti, or paratha.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Indian dal recipe for daily meals
• Made with simple pantry ingredients
• Cooks quickly and needs no soaking
• Light, comforting, and flavorful
• Perfect with rice, roti, or paratha
• Beginner-friendly and budget-friendly

Ingredients

• 1 cup masoor dal, red lentils
• 3 cups water
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium tomato, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt, as needed
• 1 tablespoon oil or ghee
• 1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice, optional

How to Make

1. Wash the masoor dal well with water until the water runs mostly clear.
2. Add the washed dal to a pressure cooker with 3 cups water, turmeric powder, and salt.
3. Pressure cook for 2 to 3 whistles on medium heat, or until the dal becomes soft.
4. Once the pressure releases naturally, open the cooker and mash the dal lightly with a spoon.
5. Heat oil or ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
6. Add chopped onion and green chilies. Cook until the onion turns light golden.
7. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute until the raw smell goes away.
8. Add chopped tomato, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the tomato becomes soft.
9. Add the cooked dal to the pan and mix well.
10. Adjust the consistency by adding a little water if needed.
11. Simmer the dal for 5 to 7 minutes on low heat.
12. Add garam masala and chopped coriander leaves. Mix well.
13. Turn off the heat and add lemon juice if you like a slightly tangy taste.
14. Serve hot with rice, roti, paratha, or jeera rice.

Tips

• Wash the dal properly before cooking.
• Masoor dal cooks quickly, so do not overcook it too much.
• Add more water if you like thin dal.
• Add less water if you prefer thick dal.
• Use ghee for a richer flavor.
• Add lemon juice at the end for a fresh taste.
• You can skip onion and garlic for a simple no onion no garlic version.

Serving Suggestions

Masoor Dal tastes best with steamed rice, jeera rice, roti, or paratha. You can also serve it with a simple sabzi, papad, pickle, and salad for a complete Indian meal. For a comforting lunch, serve hot masoor dal with rice and a spoon of ghee on top.

You can also try Dal Tadka Recipe for another comforting dal recipe.

Storage

Store leftover Masoor Dal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheat it in a pan on low heat or in the microwave. Add a little water while reheating because dal usually becomes thicker after cooling.

FAQs

Is Masoor Dal healthy?

Yes, masoor dal is a healthy lentil dish. It is light, filling, and a good option for everyday meals.

Do I need to soak masoor dal before cooking?

No, masoor dal does not need soaking. It cooks quickly after washing.

Can I make Masoor Dal without a pressure cooker?

Yes, you can cook it in a normal pot. It may take around 20 to 25 minutes to become soft.

Can I make this dal without onion and garlic?

Yes, you can skip onion and garlic. Use cumin, tomato, ginger, turmeric, and other spices for flavor.

Why is my dal too thick?

Dal becomes thick after cooling. Add a little hot water and reheat it to adjust the consistency.