Tuesday, March 06, 2007

Masoor Dal

When I saw Sandeepa's post "Masoor Dal", I took a trip down memory lane. I always associate this Dal with the Rains or cold, bitter winter. Ma would do the tadka with tomatoes and garlic - heavenly taste. This dal is a simple one, with no masalas (spices) - the Panch phoran, tomatoes and garlic give it the delightful flavor.
(Recipe adapted from Sandeepa)
Split Masoor Dal

1 cup Masoor Dal
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1 green chilli, finely chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
2 fat cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tbsp Panch phoran
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Salt to taste
Chopped coriander to garnish
Oil
Pressure cook the Dal with turmeric powder, Salt and 3 cups of water for 2 whistles. Remove from heat and let cool. Whisk the dal gently, till mixed, adding 1 to 1 1/2 cups of water to make the dal a little thin. Keep aside.
In a pan, heat oil and add the Panch Phoran, garlic, green chillies. Cook for a couple of minutes, till the garlic turns light brown. Now add the tomatoes and cook till the tomatoes are cokked and oil separates. Add this mix to the dal, bring to boil and simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. (You can add some more water, if you want a thinner consistency). Now add the lime juice, mix well, garnish with the chopped cilantro leaves and serve hot with plain rice. Enjoy !!

12 comments:

  1. Daal looks delicious! I can have this by itself..no rice, or rotis needed!

    trupti

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  2. YUM!! In fact,this is third Masoor dal dish I saw today:))
    I love it bcos it cooks so fast!

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  3. Hi Sangeeta,
    Nice recipe. By the way what is Panch Pooran? Guess its combination of five spices..could you please elaborate.

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  4. @ Trupti - Dals are so simple, yet have so much flavor. I can have this dal and simple toor dal anytime :)
    @ Asha - :)
    @ Manjula - Panch phoran is a combination of 5 spices - jeera, methi seeds, fennel (saunf) seeds, mustard seeds, kalonji (onion seeds). This is commonly used in Orissa and Bengal. This is easily available at the Indian grocery store.

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  5. I have never cooked masoor dal at home.never used in our families either.But will try your version as it looks nice.

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  6. Sangeeta
    The Masoor dal looks very nice, I do not add garlic normally though

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  7. I think Masoor dal is the tastiest of all dals.Have you tried it for Sambar. Also great with Moong dal Khichadi. It is also extremely good for health and light to digest.

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  8. Anonymous3:59 PM

    great recipe...being a daal freak...i love this sort of food...thanks for sharing...

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  9. Great and Healthy dish. Oh its so tempting. I love recipes with different kinds of Dal. Thanks for sharing.

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  10. Anonymous6:06 PM

    Masoor dal looks delicious.. and comforting... a hot bowl of dal with some phulka...what a comfort..

    -Sushma

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  11. Anonymous8:21 AM

    Dear Sangeetha, This masoor dal looks great! The recipe is very clear, simple and wholesome. A dish that is always well liked - with rotis and rice as well. And Masoor is lighter than Tur or Udad.

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  12. Daals are the ultimate comfort foods, aren't they.

    Love your ode to this ever favorite :)

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