Dal Fry Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup Chana dal (Bengal Gram Dal)
• Water as required
• 1 Onion finely chopped
• 2 Tomatoes finely chopped
• 2 Green Chillies finely chopped
• 2 inch Ginger
• 5 cloves Garlic
• 2 tablespoons Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves)
• 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder (Haldi)
• Salt as per taste
• Lemon wedges as required, for garnishing
• Coriander (Dhania) Leaves chopped for garnishing
• 1 teaspoon Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Asafoetida (hing)
• 1 tablespoon Mustard seeds (Rai/ Kadugu)
• 1 tablespoon Fennel seeds (Saunf)
• 1 tablespoon Cumin seeds (Jeera)
• 2 Dry Red Chillies
• Ghee as required

Steps

1. To begin making the Dal Fry Recipe, wash the dal and soak it in the water for about 20 to 30 minutes.
2. Pressure cook the dal for 5-6 whistles with water, salt and turmeric powder. Wait for the pressure to release naturally. Once done, open the lid and set it aside. Drain and reserve the water.
3. Heat oil and ghee in a kadhai. Once hot, add the grated ginger, garlic and green chillies to it.
4. Saute for a few seconds and add the chopped onion. Saute for another 3-4 minutes till onions are soft and golden brown in colour.
5. Once done add the tomatoes to it and let it cook for 2 minutes till the tomatoes are soft and mushy.
6. After the tomatoes are soft add the cooked lentils to the masala and give it a good mix.
7. Add 1 cup of the reserved lentil water to it, adjust salt accordingly.
8. Let the dal come to a boil, then simmer for 10 mins till it reaches the desired consistency. Add water as and when needed to reach the consistency you prefer. I prefer it a little thicker.
9. The next step is to temper the dal. Heat ghee/clarified butter in a small tadka pan. Once hot, add the cumin seeds, fennel seeds and mustard seeds and dry red chillies, followed by the hing and red chilli powder. Fry for 15 secs till everything has popped and is fragrant. Make sure that you do not burn them.
10. Pour the tadka on the dal. Rest the dal fry for 10 mins before giving it a stir and serve. Serve hot, garnished with coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice.
11. Serve Dal Fry Recipe with Steamed Rice Recipe orjeera rice or Phulka and Aloo Methi Masala Recipe for a delicious meal.