If you're craving a dish that’s not only hearty but also bursting with flavor, look no further than the "Lentil Heaven Spicy Dal." This Indian delight is a symphony of spices and textures that will transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Delhi. With just a handful of ingredients and a mere 40 minutes, you can whip up a meal that’s both comforting and nourishing. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises to be a showstopper at your dinner table. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a bowl of this spicy, aromatic dal that’s sure to become a staple in your home!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear, removing any debris or small stones.
- In a medium-sized pot, combine the rinsed lentils with 3 cups of water. Add turmeric powder and bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes until lentils are soft and partially broken down.
- While lentils are cooking, heat oil in a separate large skillet over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle and become fragrant for about 30 seconds.
- Add chopped onions to the skillet and sauté until they turn golden brown and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, cooking for another 2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and start to break down, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour the tomato-onion mixture into the cooked lentils, stirring to combine thoroughly.
- Season with salt, garam masala, and additional turmeric if desired. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The consistency should be thick but still slightly soupy.
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or warm naan bread.
Tips
- Rinse the Lentils Well: Make sure to rinse the lentils thoroughly to remove any impurities. This step is crucial for achieving a clean taste in your dal.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the number of green chilies or remove the seeds. For those who love heat, feel free to add more chilies or a pinch of red chili powder.
- Simmer for Flavor: Allowing the dal to simmer for an extra few minutes after adding the spices will enhance the depth of flavor. Don’t rush this step!
- Garnish Generously: Fresh cilantro not only adds a pop of color but also a burst of freshness. Don’t skimp on this final touch!
- Perfect Pairing: Serve your dal with steamed basmati rice or warm naan for a complete meal. A side of cucumber salad or pickles can also complement the spices beautifully.
- Make it Ahead: This dal tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Consider making a larger batch for leftovers!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
