Today, we’re going to talk about the comforting tastes of Arhar Dal, a popular and healthy Indian lentil meal. Often called Toor Dal or Split Pigeon Peas, Arhar Dal is an important part of Indian food, and I can’t wait to tell you more about it.
Split and skinned dried pigeon peas are used to make Arhar Dal. This makes small, yellow lentils. You cook these lentils until they are soft and tender, and then you add a mix of spices, like garlic, ginger, cumin seeds, and dried red chilies.
If you like healthy and tasty Indian food, this blog post will give you information about Arhar Dal, including what it is, how to cook it, and why people love it. Whether you eat it with rice or roti, Arhar Dal will warm your heart and feed your body with its warming goodness. Let’s go into the world of Arhar Dal together!
Arhar Dal Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arhar dal (split pigeon peas) washed and rinsed
- 4 cups Water
- 1 Onion finely chopped
- 2 Tomatoes finely chopped
- 2 Green chilies slit lengthwise
- 1 teaspoon Ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon Mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon Asafoetida hing
- 1 teaspoon Red chili powder adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons Ghee or oil
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Dal
- In a pressure cooker or large pot, combine washed arhar dal and water. Add turmeric powder and salt to taste.
- Pressure cook the dal for 3-4 whistles, or simmer in a pot until the dal is soft and fully cooked. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Tadka (Tempering)
- Heat ghee or oil in a small pan over medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds to the hot ghee/oil. Let them splutter.
- Add asafoetida (hing), chopped onions, and slit green chilies to the pan. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste to the pan and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and the mixture forms a thick gravy.
Step 3: Combine the Dal and Tadka
- Once the dal is cooked, open the pressure cooker or pot and give it a stir.
- Pour the prepared tadka (tempering) over the cooked dal and mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Adjust the consistency of the dal by adding more water if needed.
- Simmer the dal for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish the arhar dal with freshly chopped cilantro leaves.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, roti, or naan.
- Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the dal just before serving for a burst of tangy flavor.
Tips and Information
Tips and Information
- Variations: You can customize arhar dal by adding vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, carrots, or potatoes for added flavor and nutrition.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of green chilies and red chili powder according to your spice preference. For a milder dal, reduce the quantity of chilies and chili powder.
- Ghee vs. Oil: While ghee adds a rich and nutty flavor to the dal, you can use oil as a substitute for a vegan-friendly version.
- Leftovers: Arhar dal tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
In conclusion, Arhar dal is a timeless classic in Indian cuisine that brings comfort and nourishment to every meal. With its wholesome ingredients and aromatic spices, this hearty lentil dish is a true embodiment of home-cooked goodness. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as part of a festive feast, arhar dal never fails to satisfy and is sure to become a cherished favorite in your culinary repertoire.