Dal fry

Dal fry

Dal Fry is a comforting and flavorful Indian lentil dish with a vibrant tempering of spices. It offers a rich combination of soft cooked toor dal and aromatic seasonings, perfect for pairing with naan bread.

Vegetarian

Prep Time

70 min

Cook Time

35 min

Servings

4

Dal Fry is a traditional Indian comfort food that highlights toor dal, also called pigeon peas, prized for their earthy flavor and creamy texture. Originating from the Indian subcontinent, this dish features lentils simmered to softness and then enlivened with a fragrant mixture of spices and aromatics tempered in ghee. The tempering—known as 'tadka'—brings forth the full aroma of mustard seeds, cumin, bay leaves, fresh green chilies, and ginger, creating a warm and inviting taste. This dish holds a special place in Indian cuisine as both an everyday staple and a celebratory comfort food, enjoyed across homes and restaurants. It pairs beautifully with soft, buttery naan or steamed rice, making it a versatile meal option. The balance of savory lentils, tangy tomatoes, and hint of sweetness from sugar completes the harmony of flavors. Preparing Dal Fry involves soaking and slow cooking the lentils until they become luscious and thick like a hearty soup, followed by mixing in the spicy, aromatic tempered mixture. This layering of textures and spices ensures a deeply satisfying eating experience enjoyed by people of all ages.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Toor dal
  • 2 -1/2 cup Water
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 0.25 tsp Turmeric
  • 3 tb Ghee
  • 1 cup Chopped tomatoes
  • 0.5 tsp Cumin seeds
  • 0.5 tsp Mustard Seeds
  • 2 Bay Leaf
  • 1 tbs chopped Green Chilli
  • 2 tsp shredded Ginger
  • 2 tb Cilantro
  • 0.5 tsp Red Pepper
  • 0.5 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Sugar
  • 0.25 tsp Garam Masala

Instructions

Begin by washing the toor dal thoroughly and then soaking it in approximately 3 cups of water for at least one hour. This soaking stage helps the dal swell to twice its original size and ensures a softer, quicker cooking process. Drain the soaking water fully. Place the dal in a cooking pot with 2–1/2 cups of fresh water, salt, and turmeric powder. Cook over medium-high heat until the dal softens completely, transforming into a thick, comforting soup-like consistency; this typically takes about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking at the bottom. Meanwhile, heat the ghee in a frying pan over medium heat until hot and fragrant. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds; listen for the satisfying crackle indicating they are releasing their flavors. Immediately add bay leaves, chopped green chili, shredded ginger, and red chili powder. Stir this aromatic mixture for a few seconds to blend the spices. To this tempering, add the chopped tomatoes along with salt and sugar. Cook the mixture, stirring often, until the tomatoes become tender and mushy, forming a rich base. Next, sprinkle in the freshly chopped cilantro and garam masala. Cook for about one minute while stirring to fully infuse the flavors. Pour this vibrant tempering over the cooked dal, mixing thoroughly to combine the layers of flavor. Allow the dal to cook together with the seasoning for another minute so that all elements marry perfectly. Serve the Dal Fry hot, ideally accompanied by soft naan bread, which complements the dish beautifully by soaking up the delicious sauce. For an extra touch, garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro or a drizzle of ghee before serving. Tips: Soaking the dal overnight can further reduce cooking time and improve texture. Adjust green chili and red pepper levels to suit your spice preference. Using fresh, high-quality ghee enhances the aroma and richness of the dish.

Quick Info

Prep Time
70 min
Cook Time
35 min
Total Time
105 min
Servings
4

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