Masri Dal

Homestyle Masri Dal Tadka (Spiced Red Lentil Stew)
Homestyle Masri Dal Tadka (Spiced Red Lentil Stew)
  • Prep Time 15 min
  • Cook Time 25 min
  • Servings 4 People
Ingredients
  • 1 1 cup (200g) Masri Dal (Split Red Lentils)
  • 2 3 cups, plus more if needed Water
  • 3 4 tbsp (divided) Ghee or Cooking Oil
  • 4 1 medium, finely chopped Onion
  • 5 1 medium, finely chopped Tomato
  • 6 1 tbsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
  • 7 1, slit lengthwise (adjust to taste) Green Chili
  • 8 ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 9 1 tsp (adjust to taste) Red Chili Powder
  • 10 1 tbsp Coriander Powder
  • 11 ½ tsp Garam Masala
  • 12 To taste Salt
  • 13 ¼ cup, chopped (for garnish) Fresh Coriander Leaves
  • 14 1 tsp Cumin Seeds (Jeera)
  • 15 ¼ tsp Asafoetida (Hing)
  • 16 2-3, broken Dry Red Chilies
  • 17 5-6 (optional) Curry Leaves
Instructions
  • 1 Rinse the Masri Dal thoroughly under running water 2-3 times until the water runs clear. Soaking for 15-20 minutes is optional but can aid in quicker cooking. Drain well.
  • 2 In a pressure cooker or a heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee or oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
  • 3 Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chili. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
  • 4 Stir in the finely chopped tomato and cook until it softens and releases its juices, about 3-4 minutes, mashing lightly with the back of your spoon.
  • 5 Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. If the mixture becomes too dry, add a splash of water.
  • 6 Add the rinsed dal and 3 cups of water. Stir well and add salt to taste.
  • 7 If using a pressure cooker: Close the lid and cook for 2-3 whistles on medium-high heat. Allow the pressure to release naturally before opening.
  • 8 If using a pot: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the dal is tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and add more hot water if the dal becomes too thick.
  • 9 Once the dal is cooked, open the cooker/pot. Mash the dal lightly with the back of a spoon for a creamier consistency. Stir in garam masala and half of the chopped fresh coriander leaves. Keep aside.
  • 10 Prepare the Tadka (Tempering): In a small tempering pan or a ladle, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of ghee or oil over medium heat.
  • 11 Add cumin seeds. Once they splutter, immediately add asafoetida, dry red chilies, and curry leaves (if using). Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
  • 12 Turn off the heat and, if desired for vibrant color, quickly stir in an additional ½ teaspoon of red chili powder (be careful not to burn it).
  • 13 Pour the hot, sizzling tempering directly over the cooked dal. Cover immediately for a minute to allow the flavors to infuse.
  • 14 Stir the tadka into the dal. Garnish with the remaining fresh coriander leaves before serving hot with steamed rice, roti, or naan.

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