Masoor Dal

Masoor Dal, a warm and hearty Indian lentil dish, is a comforting blend of tender red lentils simmered with aromatic spices and tempered with golden garlic, cumin seeds, and sautéed onions. Infused with turmeric, garam masala, and a hint of red chili, this protein-packed recipe offers a balance of earthy and tangy flavors, thanks to fresh tomatoes, cilantro, and a splash of lemon juice. Perfectly suited for weeknight dinners, this vegan-friendly dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, roti, or naan, making it a versatile and wholesome addition to your table. Quick and easy to prepare, Masoor Dal is an ideal entry point into the world of Indian cuisine, offering enticing flavors and a satisfying, nourishing meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Masoor dal (red lentils)
• 3 cups Water
• 0.5 teaspoons Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Ghee or oil
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 3 large Garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium Tomato, finely chopped
• 1 medium Green chili, slit lengthwise
• 0.5 teaspoons Red chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoons Garam masala
• 2 tablespoons Cilantro (fresh coriander leaves), chopped
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the masoor dal thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear. Drain the lentils.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed masoor dal, 3 cups of water, and turmeric powder. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan partially, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and cooked through. Stir occasionally and mash slightly with the back of a spoon. Add salt, mix well, and set aside.

Step 4

In a separate pan, heat ghee or oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the chopped garlic and sauté until it turns golden brown.

Step 6

Add the chopped onion and green chili, and sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 7

Add the chopped tomato and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes break down and combine with the mixture.

Step 8

Stir in red chili powder and garam masala, and cook for 1 minute to release their aromas.

Step 9

Pour the cooked lentils into the pan with the tomato-spice mixture. Stir everything together, and simmer for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 10

Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.

Step 11

Serve hot with steamed rice, roti, or naan, and enjoy the comforting flavors of Masoor Dal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1235.4 grams (1235.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	604

Total Fat 30.30g	39%
Saturated Fat 17.20g	86%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 84mg	28%
Sodium 2408mg	105%
Total Carbohydrate 65.70g	24%
Dietary Fiber 21.40g	76%
Total Sugars 12.50g
Protein 22.50g	45%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 191mg	15%
Iron 11mg	62%
Potassium 1423mg	30%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.6%

Protein: 14.4%

Carbs: 42.0%