This simple, comforting masoor dal Recipe is made with whole brown lentils cooked in the Pressure Cooker until creamy and flavorful. The vegan and gluten-free dal pairs well with rice, quinoa or roti and can also be enjoyed as a soup.
About Masoor Dal Recipe:
Dal is an important part of the Indian main course and in many parts of the country, it is made daily to go with rice or Indian bread like roti, naan, etc.
I grew up eating plain toor/arhar dal every day, that’s like the staple in Bihar, where I come from. The only variation every other day will be in the different chutneys like Coriander Chutney, Mango Chutney, or, Tomato Chutney and the variety of vegetable dishes.
While Toor Dal was a regular, we also saw the occasional Chana Dal and Moong Dal as well. But those were very rare and occasional.
We used to get so bored with Toor Dal that we would pray for some guests to come. Because then the menu would be a special.
Now that I am a food blogger, I try to experiment with making dal in many different ways, so that we don’t feel bored with the same dish every day.
This Masoor Dal recipe is one of my favorites of all the dal recipes that mom would cook. You don’t need any sides if you are making this dal. You only need plain rice and this dal.
There is another Masoor Dal recipe called “Duppha”, which my mom used to make when I was a kid. I will soon be sharing that recipe with you.
Masoor ki dal is a variant of the many dal varieties that are available and is unique primarily because of the flavor that it gives the dal. People who like Dal makhani are sure to like masoor ki dal as well, just like my husband.
(The reason I said that this dal is similar to Dal makhani is because, this too has a slightly thicker consistency like dal makhani.)
My husband likes it with mango ginger pickle which adds to the taste of the dal because of the mango flavor in it. It gives a slight sourness to the dal.
Serving Suggestion:
Masoor dal can be served with steamed rice, jeera rice, ghee rice, or any flavored rice. You can also serve it with roti, chapati, naan, or paratha. A simple salad, pickle, or raita can also accompany the dal for a complete meal.
Masoor dal is also a great option for Lunch and Dinner. You can even pack this for lunch boxes as it is filling and nutritious.
Storage Suggestion:
Masoor dal can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in a microwave or on a stove before serving.
Pro Tips:
Use a pressure cooker or instant pot to cut down cooking time and make the dal super soft and creamy.
Adjust consistency by adding water or simmering uncovered if the dal gets too thick.
Experiment with spices like curry leaves, red chili, garam masala, etc. to make the dal your own.
Why you Should Make this Recipe:
There are many reasons why one should make this recipe of masoor dal. Here are some of them:
- Masoor dal is a rich source of protein, fiber, iron, folate, and antioxidants. It helps in lowering cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. It also supports digestion, immunity, and skin health.
- Masoor dal is easy to cook and does not require much preparation. It is also budget-friendly and widely available.
- Masoor dal is versatile and can be flavored with different spices and herbs. You can also add other vegetables, greens, or beans to the dal for more variety and nutrition.
- Masoor dal is delicious and satisfying. It has a creamy texture and a sweet and nutty taste. It is comfort food that can be enjoyed by everyone.
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Basic Ingredients Used to Make this Recipe:
Masoor Dal: This is the main ingredient of the recipe. Masoor dal is also known as red lentils, orange lentils, or pink lentils. It is also a rich source of protein, fiber, iron, folate, and antioxidants. If you do not have masoor dal, you can substitute it with moong dal, toor dal, or chana dal, but the taste and cooking time will vary.
Onion: Onion adds a nice flavor and aroma to the dal. It also helps in thickening the dal and adding some sweetness. You can use any type of onion, such as red, white, or yellow. If you do not have onion, you can use shallots instead.
Ginger: Ginger adds some heat and spice to the dal. It also has many health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and digestive properties. You can use fresh ginger root or ginger paste for this recipe. If you do not have ginger, you can use ginger powder instead.
Garlic: Garlic enhances the taste and fragrance of the dal. It also has many health benefits, such as antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. You can use fresh garlic cloves or garlic paste for this recipe. If you do not have garlic, you can use garlic powder.
Green chili: Green chili adds some heat and spice to the dal. It also balances the sweetness of the lentils and the tomato. You can use any type of green chili. Also, you can adjust the amount of green chili as per your spice level. If you do not have green chili, you can use red chili powder.
Turmeric powder: Turmeric adds a beautiful color and a mild earthy flavor to the dal. It also has many medicinal properties.
Salt: Salt enhances the flavor and seasoning of the dal. It also helps in cooking the lentils faster and softer. You can use any type of salt, such as table salt, sea salt, or rock salt. You can also adjust the amount of salt as per your taste and preference.
Cumin seeds: Cumin seeds add a nutty and smoky flavor to the dal. They also aid in digestion and metabolism. If you do not have cumin seeds, you can use mustard seeds.
Kasturi methi leaves: Kasturi methi leaves add a fragrant and floral flavor to the dal. They also enhance the taste and appearance of the dish. You can skip it if you don’t have one.
Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil is used to saute the spices and aromatics for the dal. It also adds some moisture and richness to the dish. You can use any type of vegetable oil. If you do not have vegetable oil, you can use butter, ghee, or coconut oil.
Water: Water is used to cook the lentils and adjust the consistency of the dal.
Masoor Dal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup Masoor Dal
- 1 Onion finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp Ginger optional
- 10 Garlic Cloves finely chopped
- 4 Green chilli finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 1 tsp Kasturi methi leaves
- Coriander leaves finely chopped
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a pressure cooker. Add cumin seeds. When it starts spluttering add chopped chillies, garlic and ginger.
- When it is slightly brown add onions, turmeric powder and salt keep on stirring until onions become golden brown.
- Add chopped tomatoes and stir for 2 to 3 minutes again.
- Wash the dal properly and transfer it into a pressure cooker. Add water as required and cook till 5 to 6 whistles of the pressure cooker.
- Open the lid of the pressure cooker once it cools down and add Coriander leaves and kasturi methi to it. Mix well.
- Masur ki Dal goes well with plain rice.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions About this Recipe:
Is masoor dal good for health?
Yes, masoor dal is high in protein, fiber, iron, folate, and other nutrients. It is low in fat and calories, making it a very healthy pulse.
Is masoor dal gluten-free?
Yes, lentils are naturally gluten-free.
My Recommended Product:
In case you are looking for a Casserole to serve this delicious masoor dal, then you might want to check out the below-mentioned product. These Casserole are beautifully designed and are perfect for storing and serving dal items.
Please note that this recommendation is based on my personal experience and preferences, I encourage you to do your own research and choose a product that best suits your needs and budget.”
You can even check out my PAGE on Amazon, where you will find my favorite kitchen tools, Appliances, Accessories, and more HERE.
Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a small commission. Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission
I receive from your purchases. I am an independent blogger and the reviews are done based on my own opinions. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.
- Signoraware Royal Bliss Casserole is a modern and effective double wall Stainless Steel (Inner Body) casserole. It comes with a premium tectured plastic outer body. The Plastic Used is 100% food grade in nature and looks very elegant. The Casserole comes with see through glass lid that keeps food hot and fresh for hours. The casserole also has a very comfortable grip which makes it easy to carry to dining tables.
- PUF insulation, Hot case
- Store Chapatis/Soups/lentils/Salads etc.
- Please do not put on flame.
- Country of Origin : In
You Might Also Want to Try:
Check out some of my favorite recipes, you might want to try during this Winter.
Sarson ka saag
Makke ki Roti
Tisi Pitha Recipe
Khoi Laddoo – How to Make Khoya Moa Laddu
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Happy Cooking!!!
This post was last updated on 16th January 2024.