Masoor Malka

Masoor Malka Dal Tadka (Split Red Lentil Tempering Curry)
Masoor Malka Dal Tadka (Split Red Lentil Tempering Curry)
  • Prep Time 15 min
  • Cook Time 25 min
  • Servings 4 People
Ingredients
  • 1 1 cup (200g) Masoor Malka (Split Red Lentils)
  • 2 3 cups (for cooking dal) + as needed Water
  • 3 3 tbsp (2 tbsp for masala, 1 tbsp for tadka) Ghee or Cooking Oil
  • 4 1 medium, finely chopped Onion
  • 5 1 medium, finely chopped or pureed Tomato
  • 6 1 tsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
  • 7 1, slit (adjust to taste) Green Chili
  • 8 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 9 1/2 tsp (or to taste) Red Chili Powder
  • 10 1 tsp Coriander Powder
  • 11 1/2 tsp Cumin Powder
  • 12 To taste Salt
  • 13 1/4 tsp (optional) Garam Masala
  • 14 2 tbsp, chopped (for garnish) Fresh Coriander
  • 15 1 tsp (for garnish, optional) Lemon Juice
  • 16 1 tsp Cumin Seeds (for tadka)
  • 17 A pinch Asafoetida (Hing) (for tadka)
  • 18 2, broken Dried Red Chillies (for tadka)
  • 19 2-3 cloves, finely chopped or sliced Garlic (for tadka)
  • 20 1/2 tsp Kashmiri Red Chili Powder (for tadka)
Instructions
  • 1 Wash the Masoor Malka thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. Soak for 15-20 minutes if time permits (optional, but helps with texture and cooking time). Drain well.
  • 2 In a pressure cooker, combine the washed dal with 3 cups of fresh water, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, and salt to taste. Close the lid and cook for 3-4 whistles on medium heat, or until the dal is soft and well-cooked. If using a pot, cook until tender, adding more water if needed, approximately 20-25 minutes.
  • 3 Once the pressure releases naturally, open the cooker and mash the dal lightly with a whisk or ladle to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. Set aside.
  • 4 Heat 2 tbsp ghee or cooking oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
  • 5 Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chili. Sauté for another minute until the raw aroma disappears.
  • 6 Stir in the chopped or pureed tomato and cook until it softens and releases oil from the sides, about 5-7 minutes.
  • 7 Add the remaining 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant. Add a splash of water if the masala starts to stick to prevent burning.
  • 8 Pour the cooked and mashed dal into the pan with the prepared masala. Mix well. Adjust the consistency by adding more hot water if you prefer a thinner dal. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Check and adjust salt. Stir in garam masala if using.
  • 9 **Prepare the Tadka (Tempering):** In a small tempering pan or ladle, heat 1 tbsp ghee or cooking oil over medium-low heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.
  • 10 Add the asafoetida (hing), dried red chilies, and finely chopped or sliced garlic. Sauté until the garlic turns golden brown and aromatic. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  • 11 Remove the tempering pan from heat and immediately stir in the Kashmiri red chili powder. This will add a beautiful red color without excessive heat.
  • 12 Pour the hot tempering directly over the simmering dal. Cover immediately with a lid for a minute to infuse the smoky flavors into the dal.
  • 13 Garnish with fresh chopped coriander and a squeeze of lemon juice (optional). Serve hot with steamed basmati rice, roti, or naan.

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