Dal recipe

Dal, a staple dish in Indian cuisine, is both nutritious and comforting. It's essentially a stew made from lentils, seasoned with a variety of spices. There are many variations of dal, each using different types of lentils and spice combinations. Here's a basic recipe for a simple and delicious dal:

Ingredients:

• Lentils: 1 cup (yellow or red lentils are commonly used and cook quickly)
• Water: 3 cups
• Turmeric: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: to taste
• Ghee or Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Cumin Seeds: 1 teaspoon
• Mustard Seeds: 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
• Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Ginger: 1-inch piece, grated
• Tomato: 1 medium, chopped
• Garam Masala: 1 teaspoon
• Coriander Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Cumin Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
• Chili Powder: to taste (optional)
• Fresh Coriander (Cilantro): for garnish
• Lemon Juice: for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Lentils:

   • Rinse the lentils under cold water until the water runs clear.
   • In a pot, combine the lentils, water, turmeric, and salt.
   • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the lentils are tender, about 20-30 minutes. Add more water if needed to keep the lentils submerged.

2. Prepare the Tadka (Tempering):

   • In a separate pan, heat ghee or oil over medium heat.
   • Add the cumin seeds and mustard seeds (if using). When they start to crackle, add the chopped onion.
   • Sauté until the onion turns translucent, then add the garlic and ginger. Cook until fragrant.
   • Add the chopped tomato and cook until it softens.
   • Stir in the garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, and chili powder (if using).

3. Combine and Simmer:

   • Add the tadka (the spice and onion mixture) to the cooked lentils.
   • Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes. If the dal is too thick, add some water to reach your desired consistency.
   • Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or spices as needed.

4. Garnish and Serve:

   • Garnish with chopped fresh coriander (cilantro).
   • Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving, if desired.
   • Serve hot with rice, roti, or naan.

Tips:

• The consistency of dal can vary from a thick stew to a more soup-like consistency. Adjust the amount of water based on how you like it.
• Dal thickens as it cools, so you might need to add water when reheating.
• Experiment with different types of lentils and spices to find your preferred flavor.

Enjoy your homemade dal! It's a comforting, hearty dish perfect for any day of the week.