Dal Fry

Delight your taste buds with this heartwarming Dal Fry, a classic Indian lentil dish that's brimming with bold flavors and comforting textures. Made with protein-packed toor dal (split pigeon peas), this recipe combines the earthy aroma of cumin, the zesty tang of lemon juice, and the rich creaminess of ghee for a truly satisfying meal. The addition of aromatic spices like garam masala, kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), and a hint of red chili powder creates a symphony of flavors that pair perfectly with fluffy steamed rice or warm naan. Quick and easy to prepare, this wholesome dish is the perfect choice for a cozy weeknight dinner or an elaborate Indian feast. With its vibrant garnish of fresh cilantro, Dal Fry is as visually appealing as it is delicious—making it a must-try for lovers of traditional Indian cuisine!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Toor dal (split pigeon peas)
• 3 cups Water
• 2 tablespoons Oil
• 1 tablespoon Ghee
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 0.25 teaspoon Asafoetida (hing)
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon Ginger-garlic paste
• 2 small Green chilies, chopped
• 2 medium Tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Red chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Garam masala
• 1 teaspoon Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the toor dal under running water until the water runs clear. Soak the dal in water for about 15-20 minutes as you prep other ingredients.

Step 2

Drain the soaked dal and transfer it to a pressure cooker. Add 3 cups of water and turmeric powder. Cook under pressure for 3-4 whistles until the dal is soft and mushy. If using an Instant Pot, set it to pressure cook for 8 minutes.

Step 3

Heat oil and ghee in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add cumin seeds and let them crackle. Add asafoetida.

Step 4

Add the chopped onions and sauté until they are golden brown.

Step 5

Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Sauté for another minute until the raw smell disappears.

Step 6

Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.

Step 7

Mix in red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Stir well and cook for another minute.

Step 8

Add the cooked dal along with its water. Stir the mixture, adjusting consistency by adding more water if needed.

Step 9

Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes for the flavors to meld together. Check for salt and adjust if necessary.

Step 10

Crush kasuri methi between your palms and add it to the dal. Stir in the lemon juice.

Step 11

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice or naan.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1393.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1219.6

Total Fat 47.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 40mg	0%
Sodium 2449.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 159.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 37.6g	0%
Total Sugars 18.1g
Protein 49.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 279.4mg	0%
Iron 13.5mg	0%
Potassium 3847.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 33.6%

Protein: 15.8%

Carbs: 50.5%