Name: Masoor dal masala - brown lentil curry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 165 min
Ingredients: ½ cup sabut masoor dal/ brown lentils (washed and soaked in water for 2 hours); 1 large onion (finely chopped); 1 medium tomato (finely chopped); 1 tbsp ginger (finely chopped); 1 tbsp garlic (finely chopped); 1 tsp green chillis (finely chopped (optional)); 2 tbsp coriander leaves (chopped); 2 dried red chillis; 1 tsp cumin seeds; 4-5 black peppercorns; 1 bay leaf; 1 tsp turmeric powder; 2 tsp chilli powder; 1 tbsp coriander powder; 1 tsp garam masala; 2-3 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tbsp ghee; 2-3 tbsp oil; salt to taste

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A yummy, one pot dal recipe, with sabut masoor dal that tastes great just as is and even with rotis and rice

I have yet another dal recipe for you. Since lentils are an important part of an Indian meal, you will not only find tons of recipes, but also loads of dal varieties itself. For instance, there is moong, toor, chana, urad and so many more. Likewise, brown lentils or akha masoor dal is also a popular choice. These are super healthy, especially, as we consume them with the skin – meaning more fibre. I generally cook the masoor dal so as to have it as a side dish but it can be had on it’s own, too. That’s why I like packing my masoor dal masala with has loads of flavour. This is a dal is a great weekday meal option. I make and refrigerate a decent batch of the masoor dal masala on a Sunday.

On weekdays, I simply re-heat, add some chopped onions and tomatoes and dig in. And if I am making it for a weekend lunch, then some steamed rice and salad is all I need.

Masoor dal masala

I have made the masoor dal in an onion-tomato based gravy with lots of garlic and ginger. Hence, there are tons of flavors going in there. This sauce gives the dal a lovely tang, from the tomatoes, and spice from the ginger and the garam masalas. So you can imagine, how these lovely aromas combined with the earthy flavour of the brown lentils itself, make a delicious meal. Moreover, the dollops of ghee added to finish the dal, goes on to add to the awesomeness. Also, this is a great bowl of comfort on a chilly, rainy evening! A warm bowl of my masoor masala is comfort food on such gloomy days.

Dal chawaal

Now, lentil curry and rice, is not just food but an emotion for me. I have grown up on it and it still remains an integral part of my everyday food. And that is why, I love trying out different types and different recipes with them, including this masoor dal masala. And if you share my sentiments or are simply a dal lover, you ought to try my recipe out. I can promise you that once you make it is going to become a regular in your kitchen. And if you do give it a try, I’d love to hear your feedback. You could share you food pictures with me over on Instagram or Pinterest or simply drop you feedback in the comment section below.