Introduction:
In Indian cuisine, Dal or lentil soup is a staple dish that is consumed regularly. It is a simple yet delicious dish that can be made in various ways. The best part about making Dal is that it is quite easy and can be adapted to suit any palate. This article will guide you through the process of making Dal and answer some common questions.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup of lentils (moong dal, urad dal, masoor dal, or a mix of all three)
– 3 cups of water
– 1 tsp of salt
– 1 tsp of turmeric
– 1 tbsp of oil
– 1 onion (finely chopped)
– 1 tomato (finely chopped)
– 1 garlic clove (minced)
– 1 inch of ginger (minced)
– 1 green chili (chopped)
– 1 tsp of cumin seeds
– A handful of coriander leaves (chopped)
– 1 tsp of garam masala (optional)
Method:
Step 1: Rinse the lentils in water until the water runs clear. Soak the lentils in water for at least 30 minutes. Drain the water and keep the lentils aside.
Step 2: In a pressure cooker, add the lentils, water, salt, and turmeric. Pressure cook for 3-4 whistles on high flame. Turn off the gas and let the pressure release naturally.
If you don’t have a pressure cooker, you can cook the lentils in a pot on medium heat. Keep stirring occasionally and cook until the lentils are soft and mushy.
Step 3: Once the lentils have cooked, heat a pan on medium heat. Add oil and cumin seeds. Once the seeds start to splutter, add onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
Step 4: Add ginger, garlic, and green chili, and sauté for a minute. Now, add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften.
Step 5: Add the cooked lentils to the pan and mix well. Bring the mixture to a boil and turn the heat to low. If the mixture is too thick, add water to get the desired consistency.
Step 6: Add garam masala (optional) and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes.
Step 7: Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or roti.
FAQs:
1. What other ingredients can I add to Dal?
You can add vegetables like spinach, carrot, or potato to the Dal to make it more nutritious. You can also add cream or yogurt to give it a richer texture.
2. How long can I store cooked Dal in the fridge?
Cooked Dal can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container.
3. Can I make Dal without a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can make Dal without a pressure cooker. In a pot, boil the lentils until they are soft and mushy. It may take up to 45 minutes to an hour.
4. Can I freeze Dal?
Yes, you can freeze Dal for up to a month. Make sure to store it in an airtight container and thaw it before reheating.
5. Can I use canned lentils to make Dal?
You can use canned lentils, but they may be overcooked and mushy. To avoid this, rinse the canned lentils in cold water before adding them to the pan.
Conclusion:
Dal is a simple yet flavorful dish that can be made by using a variety of lentils. It is healthy, easy to make, and can be adapted to suit any palate. With this recipe and the FAQs, you should be able to make a delicious bowl of Dal in no time.
