Traditional Indian Daal

Warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, Traditional Indian Daal is a classic dish that embodies the essence of Indian home-cooked meals. Made with yellow split peas or red lentils, this hearty, protein-rich stew is simmered to creamy perfection with turmeric and finished with a fragrant tadka—a blend of sizzling cumin, mustard seeds, onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes. Enhanced with aromatic garam masala and garnished with fresh cilantro and a splash of lemon juice, this daal promises layers of rich, earthy, and tangy flavors. Perfectly paired with fluffy basmati rice or soft naan bread, this simple yet soul-satisfying recipe is ideal for a wholesome dinner or plant-based delight. Whether you're exploring Indian cuisine or seeking a comforting vegan dish, this easy-to-make recipe offers a delicious experience in every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Yellow split peas (toor dal) or red lentils (masoor dal)
• 3 cups Water
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil or ghee
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 0.5 teaspoon Mustard seeds
• 1 large Onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Ginger, grated
• 1 small Green chili, finely chopped
• 1 large Tomato, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon Garam masala
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the daal thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

Step 2

In a medium-sized pot, combine the daal with 3 cups of water, turmeric powder, and salt.

Step 3

Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the daal is soft and mushy.

Step 4

In a separate pan, heat the vegetable oil or ghee over medium heat.

Step 5

Add the cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Let them splutter for about 30 seconds.

Step 6

Add the chopped onion and sauté until the onion is golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 7

Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chili. Sauté for another minute.

Step 8

Add the chopped tomato and cook until the tomato becomes soft and the oil starts to separate from the mixture, about 5 minutes.

Step 9

Stir in the garam masala and mix well.

Step 10

Add the cooked spice mixture (tadka) to the pot of daal, stirring to incorporate everything evenly.

Step 11

Simmer the daal for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 12

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and squeeze over the lemon juice before serving.

Step 13

Serve hot with cooked basmati rice or naan bread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1330 grams (1330.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1070

Total Fat 32.30g	41%
Saturated Fat 4.50g	23%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2437mg	106%
Total Carbohydrate 150.10g	55%
Dietary Fiber 36.60g	131%
Total Sugars 18.10g
Protein 56.20g	112%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 269mg	21%
Iron 14mg	79%
Potassium 2816mg	60%

*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: 26.1%

Protein: 20.1%

Carbs: 53.8%