Toor Dal Recipe
Today, we’re delving into a comforting classic from Indian cuisine with our Toor Dal Recipe. This hearty lentil dish, infused with aromatic spices and a rich tempering, is a staple in many Indian households. Whether served with fluffy rice, soft roti, or naan, toor dal is both nutritious and incredibly satisfying.
History:
Did you know? Toor dal, also known as arhar dal or split pigeon peas, has been a cornerstone of Indian cooking for centuries. Originating from the Indian subcontinent, this legume is celebrated for its high protein content and versatility. Each region in India has its own version of toor dal, showcasing a unique blend of spices and cooking techniques, reflecting the rich diversity of Indian culinary traditions.
Serving Suggestions:
Toor dal pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve it over steamed basmati rice for a simple yet flavorful meal. For a more elaborate spread, accompany it with warm roti or naan, a side of tangy mango pickle, and a refreshing cucumber raita. A sprinkle of fresh coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice can elevate the dish, adding a burst of freshness.
Storing Instructions:
To store leftover toor dal, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dal in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Make sure to leave some space in the container to accommodate expansion when freezing.
Reheating Instructions:
When reheating refrigerated toor dal, you can do so on the stovetop or in the microwave. On the stovetop, place the dal in a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the dal has thickened, add a splash of water to achieve the desired consistency. In the microwave, transfer the dal to a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat on medium power in one-minute increments, stirring in between, until hot. If reheating from frozen, allow the dal to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Conclusion:
We hope this toor dal recipe brings warmth and flavor to your dining table. We would love to hear how your dish turned out! Share your experience in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more delightful recipes and culinary stories.
How to Make Toor Dal Recipe
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Toor Dal Recipe
Description
Toor Dal Recipe, a traditional Indian lentil dish, combines the nutty flavor of split pigeon peas with aromatic spices and a rich, buttery tempering. This comforting recipe is perfect for a wholesome meal, served with steamed rice or warm roti. Easy to make and packed with protein, toor dal is a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire, bringing a taste of India to your table.
Ingredients
Toor Dal:
Tempering:
Instructions
Preparing the Dal:
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Clean the Dal
Rinse the toor dal under running water until the water runs clear.
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Soak the Dal
Soak the dal in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
Cooking the Dal:
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Combine Ingredients
In a pressure cooker, combine the soaked dal, 750ml water, turmeric powder, and salt.
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Cook Under Pressure
Close the lid and cook on high heat until the first whistle. Reduce the heat to low and cook for an additional 12 minutes.
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Release Pressure
Allow the pressure to release naturally. Open the lid and whisk the dal until smooth. Add lemon juice and mix well.
Prepare the Tempering:
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Heat the Ghee
Heat ghee or oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
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Add Spices
Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Let them splutter.
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Aromatics
Add asafetida and dried red chilies. Stir for a few seconds.
Sauté the Aromatics:
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Cook the Onions
Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
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Add Pastes
Add garlic paste and ginger paste. Sauté until the raw smell disappears.
Incorporate Tomatoes and Spices:
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Soften the Tomatoes
Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and the oil separates.
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Spice it Up
Add red chili powder, garam masala powder, turmeric powder, and green chilies. Stir well.
Combine and Simmer:
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Mix with Dal
Pour the cooked dal into the tempering mixture. Mix well.
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Adjust Consistency
Adjust the consistency by adding hot water if necessary.
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Simmer
Simmer for 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Garnish and Serve:
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Add Fresh Herbs
Garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves.
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Serve Hot
Serve hot with steamed rice, roti, or naan.
Equipment
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- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 210kcal
- Calories from Fat 54kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 6g10%
- Saturated Fat 2g10%
- Sodium 420mg18%
- Potassium 480mg14%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 8g32%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 9g18%
- Vitamin A 540 IU
- Vitamin C 10 mg
- Calcium 50 mg
- Iron 2 mg
- Vitamin E 1.2 IU
- Vitamin K 5 mcg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Toor dal can be substituted with moong dal or masoor dal, but cooking times may vary.
- For a vegan option, use vegetable oil instead of ghee.
- Adjust the spice levels to suit your taste by varying the amount of green chilies and red chili powder.
- If you don't have a pressure cooker, cook the dal in a pot, but it will take longer to soften.
- Fresh lemon juice adds a bright, tangy flavor that complements the spices perfectly.
- Leftover dal can be thickened to make a filling for parathas or used as a base for soups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can prepare the Toor Dal Recipe in a regular pot. It will take longer to cook the dal until it's soft. Keep the pot covered and simmer, checking occasionally until the dal reaches the desired consistency.
If you can't find toor dal, you can substitute it with other lentils like moong dal or masoor dal. The cooking times might differ, so adjust accordingly to ensure the dal is cooked properly.
To make the Toor Dal Recipe vegan, simply replace the ghee with vegetable oil or coconut oil. This will still give you a rich and flavorful tempering.
The spiciness of this Toor Dal Recipe can be adjusted according to your preference. Reduce or increase the amount of green chilies and red chili powder to suit your taste.
Yes, you can freeze the Toor Dal Recipe. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
The Toor Dal Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, roti, or naan. It also goes well with a side of mango pickle and a refreshing cucumber raita for a complete meal.
If your Toor Dal Recipe is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can mash some of the cooked dal with the back of a spoon to thicken the consistency.
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Fiona O'Sullivan
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