For me, Dal is an integral part of comfort food. There are quite a few dishes that give me comfort and joy, but few as much as simple Dal chawal. It’s amazing how many varieties of Dal there are and how varied the recipes are across regions. So much to try, so much to learn!
This simple Moong Dal recipe (split green lentils) is fairly common in North India and is super easy to make. It’s a good break from the standard yellow dals that are part of daily fare.
Once the Dal is soaked for about half an hour, the rest of the cooking is fairly quick. 30 minutes and your meal is ready 🙂
The dal is delicious, slightly spicy, warm and filling. The tomato and spice tempering elevates it to a meal in itself, sometimes don’t even need the rice!
The Dal has a slight butteriness from the lentils which, when mixed with the chilli, garam masala, tomatoes and spices, is this magical comfort food that you absolutely must add to your list.
Make this for yourself, for family, for guests and you’ll make everyone a happy bunny 🙂
Chilka Moong Dal
Ingredients
1 cup chilka Moong Dal (split green lentils)
2 cups water
1 tomato – diced finely
1.5 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp ginger garlic paste
1 green chili – sliced fine
1/2 tsp garam masala powder
1/4 tsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp red chilli powder
1 tbsp oil/ghee
Coriander for garnish
Salt to taste
Directions
- Soak the Dal in water for 30 mins. Drain after that.
- Cook the Dal with 2 cups of water and 1 tsp salt in a pressure cooker for 5 whistles (medium heat)
- Release the pressure and move the Dal to another bowl
- In a small saucepan, heat the oil/ghee and add the chillies. After 30sec, add the tomatoes and cook for 5-10 minutes till they soften
- Add ginger garlic paste, mix well and cook for minute. Then add the salt, coriander, cumin and chilli powder and cook for 2-3 minutes
- Add the tempering the dal, mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with coriander and serve hot 🙂
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