Dal Recipe Toor

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Mar 30, 2025

15

Share

Dal Recipe Toor: A Delicious and Healthy Indian Lentil Soup

Toor dal, also known as pigeon pea dal, is a staple in Indian cuisine. This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for weeknights and offers a hearty, nutritious meal. Let's dive into how to make this delicious and healthy lentil soup!

Ingredients You'll Need:

• 1 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas), rinsed well
• 3 cups water
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder (optional, for extra heat)
• 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing, optional, for aroma)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional additions: 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped coriander leaves (during cooking), a squeeze of lemon juice at the end

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preparing the Dal:

1. Rinse the toor dal thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. This removes any impurities.
2. In a pressure cooker or a heavy-bottomed pot, combine the rinsed dal and 3 cups of water.
3. Add salt and bring the mixture to a boil. If using a pressure cooker, close the lid and cook for 3-4 whistles or until the dal is completely soft and cooked through. If using a pot, simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the dal is tender.

Sautéing the Aromatics:

1. While the dal is cooking, heat the oil or ghee in a separate pan. Add the asafoetida (if using) and let it sizzle for a few seconds. Be careful, as asafoetida can burn easily.
2. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the green chilies, turmeric powder, cumin powder, and red chili powder (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds until the spices are fragrant. Don't burn the spices!

Combining and Simmering:

1. Once the dal is cooked, carefully add the sautéed onion mixture to the dal. Stir well to combine.
2. If you're adding chopped tomatoes or coriander leaves, add them now.
3. Simmer the dal for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serving and Garnishing:

1. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
2. Serve hot with rice, roti, or naan. A squeeze of lemon juice adds a nice tangy finish.

Tips and Variations:

• For a creamier dal, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the dal before serving.
• Add a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dry red chilies for an extra layer of flavor. Heat a small amount of oil, add the mustard seeds, let them splutter, add the curry leaves and chilies, then pour over the dal.
• Adjust the amount of green chilies to control the spice level.
• You can also add other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or spinach to make it a more complete meal.

This Toor Dal recipe is a simple, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy this nutritious lentil. Enjoy experimenting with different variations to find your perfect version! Remember to share your culinary creations!