Arhar Dal

Arhar Dal Tadka (Classic Split Pigeon Pea Curry)
Arhar Dal Tadka (Classic Split Pigeon Pea Curry)
  • Prep Time 15 min
  • Cook Time 25 min
  • Servings 4 People
Ingredients
  • 1 1 cup (200g) Arhar Dal (Toor Dal)
  • 2 3 cups (for cooking dal) + extra for soaking Water
  • 3 2 tbsp Ghee or Cooking Oil
  • 4 1 tsp Cumin Seeds (Jeera)
  • 5 1/4 tsp Asafoetida (Hing)
  • 6 1 medium, finely chopped Onion
  • 7 1 medium, finely chopped Tomato
  • 8 1 tbsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
  • 9 1-2, slit or finely chopped (adjust to taste) Green Chilies
  • 10 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 11 1 tsp (adjust to taste) Red Chili Powder
  • 12 1 tsp Coriander Powder
  • 13 To taste (approx. 1 tsp) Salt
  • 14 1/2 tsp (optional) Garam Masala
  • 15 2 tbsp, chopped (for garnish) Fresh Coriander Leaves
Instructions
  • 1 Rinse the arhar dal thoroughly under cold running water 2-3 times until the water runs clear. Soak the dal in fresh water for 15-20 minutes (optional, but aids in even cooking and digestion). Drain well.
  • 2 Transfer the drained dal to a pressure cooker. Add 3 cups of water, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Close the lid and cook on medium-high heat for 3-4 whistles. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
  • 3 Once the pressure is released, open the cooker and gently mash the dal with the back of a ladle to achieve a slightly creamy consistency. If the dal is too thick, add a little hot water to adjust. Keep aside.
  • 4 Heat ghee or cooking oil in a separate kadai or pan over medium heat. Once hot, add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
  • 5 Add asafoetida, then add the finely chopped onion. Sauté until the onion turns light golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).
  • 6 Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
  • 7 Add the finely chopped tomato and cook until it softens and releases oil (about 3-4 minutes). Now, add red chili powder, coriander powder, and the remaining salt. Mix well and cook for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant.
  • 8 Pour the cooked and mashed dal into the tadka pan. Mix well. Check for seasoning and add more salt if required. If using, stir in garam masala.
  • 9 Bring the dal to a gentle simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If the dal becomes too thick, add a splash of hot water.
  • 10 Garnish generously with fresh chopped coriander leaves before serving hot with rice or roti.
Gujarati Style Arhar Dal (Sweet & Tangy)
Gujarati Style Arhar Dal (Sweet & Tangy)
  • Prep Time 30 min
  • Cook Time 10 min
  • Servings 4 People
Ingredients
  • 1 1 cup Arhar Dal (soaked 30 mins)
  • 2 1 medium Tomato, chopped
  • 3 1 Green Chili, slit
  • 4 1 tbsp Jaggery, grated
  • 5 1 tbsp Tamarind Pulp (or ½ tsp Amchur)
  • 6 ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 7 1 tsp Red Chili Powder
  • 8 1 tsp Coriander Powder
  • 9 2 tbsp Ghee/Oil
  • 10 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
  • 11 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
  • 12 2 Dried Red Chilies
  • 13 1 sprig Curry Leaves
  • 14 A pinch of Hing
  • 15 Salt to taste
  • 16 Coriander Leaves
Instructions
  • 1 Pressure cook dal with turmeric & water (3–4 whistles). Mash smooth.
  • 2 Heat ghee, add mustard, cumin, curry leaves, red chilies, hing.
  • 3 Add tomato, green chili, spices → cook till soft.
  • 4 Add mashed dal, jaggery, tamarind pulp, salt. Mix well.
  • 5 Add mashed dal, jaggery, tamarind pulp, salt. Mix well.
  • 6 Serve with steamed rice or Gujarati khichdi
Arhar Dal Khichdi (Comfort Food)
Arhar Dal Khichdi (Comfort Food)
  • Prep Time 30 min
  • Cook Time 15 min
  • Servings 4 People
Ingredients
  • 1 ½ cup Arhar Dal
  • 2 ½ cup Rice
  • 3 1 small Onion, sliced
  • 4 1 Tomato, chopped
  • 5 1 Green Chili
  • 6 1-inch Ginger, grated
  • 7 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
  • 8 ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 9 1 Bay Leaf
  • 10 2 tbsp Ghee
  • 11 Salt to taste
  • 12 4 cups Water
  • 13 Fresh Coriander for garnish
Instructions
  • 1 Wash rice & dal together. Soak for 20 minutes.
  • 2 Heat ghee in cooker, add cumin, bay leaf, onion → fry till light brown.
  • 3 Add ginger, tomato, chili, turmeric → cook till soft.
  • 4 Add rice + dal, water & salt.
  • 5 Pressure cook for 3 whistles.
  • 6 Adjust consistency with water (some prefer thick, others soupy).
  • Serve with papad, pickle, and a spoon of ghee on top.

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