Healthy Malka Dal (Whole Masoor Dal)

A simple, nutritious whole-masoor (Malka) dal — protein-rich, fibre-loaded and beginner-friendly recipe perfect with rice or roti.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 cup whole masoor dal (Malka dal) soaked 4–6 hours or overnight
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 tbsp oil or ghee for tadka
  • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
  • a pinch hing (asafoetida) optional
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 medium tomatoes finely chopped
  • 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste optional, for flavour
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/2 tsp red chilli powder adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala optional
  • 1–2 tbsp fresh coriander leaves chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Pressure cooker or heavy-bottomed pot

Method
 

  1. Rinse the soaked dal under running water and drain.
  2. In a pressure cooker or heavy pot, add the dal and water. Add half of the salt and turmeric powder. Pressure-cook for 3–4 whistles (or simmer in pot until dal is soft).
  3. Once dal is cooked, mash lightly if you like thicker consistency, or leave as is for a looser dal.
  4. Heat oil or ghee in a small pan. Add cumin seeds and a pinch of hing. When seeds begin to crackle, add chopped onion and sauté till light golden.
  5. Add ginger-garlic paste (if using), chopped tomatoes. Cook till tomatoes soften and oil begins to separate from the masala.
  6. Add red chilli powder, remaining salt, and mix well. Pour this masala into the cooked dal and stir. Let dal simmer for 5 minutes so flavours blend.
  7. Finally, sprinkle garam masala and chopped coriander leaves. Turn off heat and mix gently.

Notes

Soaking whole masoor dal helps it cook faster and digest easier. Serve hot with rice or roti. Adjust spices to taste.

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