Carrot Capsicum Dal: Vibrant Protein-Packed Indian Lentil Stew
Carrot and Capsicum Mix Dal Recipe
This Carrot and Capsicum Mix Dal recipe is a delightful South Indian dish that combines the earthy flavors of toor dal with the vibrant taste of fresh carrots and capsicum, making it a nutritious and flavorful addition to your lunch menu. Lightly spiced and seasoned with a traditional South Indian tempering, this dal is best enjoyed with a side of steamed rice and perhaps some Beetroot Thoran for a complete, wholesome meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | 
|---|---|
| Toor dal (Arhar dal) | 1 cup | 
| Carrot, diced | 1 medium | 
| Green Capsicum, diced | 1 medium | 
| Tomato, chopped | 1 large | 
| Ginger, chopped | 1-inch piece | 
| Turmeric powder | 1/2 tsp | 
| Tamarind water | 1 cup | 
| Salt | To taste | 
| Mustard seeds | 1 tsp | 
| Cumin seeds | 1 tsp | 
| Asafoetida (Hing) | A pinch | 
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig | 
| Green chili, slit | 1 | 
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions
- 
Cooking the Dal: 
 In a pressure cooker, add the rinsed toor dal, diced carrots, diced green capsicum, chopped tomato, turmeric powder, salt, and about 2 cups of water. Close the lid and cook on medium heat for about 5 whistles or until the dal is soft and fully cooked. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
- 
Preparing the Tempering (Tadka): 
 In a small skillet or tadka pan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. Follow with cumin seeds and let them crackle. Add a pinch of asafoetida, curry leaves, and the green chili. Sauté briefly until the curry leaves become crisp.
- 
Combining Dal and Tamarind Water: 
 Open the pressure cooker, and place it back on low heat. Add the tamarind water to the cooked dal and stir well to combine. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes, ensuring the tamarind water is well incorporated into the dal.
- 
Finishing Touches: 
 Pour the prepared tempering (tadka) into the dal and mix well. Adjust salt if needed. Let the dal cook for another minute, then turn off the heat.
- 
Serving: 
 Serve the Carrot and Capsicum Mix Dal hot with steamed rice and a side of Beetroot Thoran for a complete South Indian meal.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount | 
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal | 
| Protein | 7 g | 
| Carbohydrates | 28 g | 
| Fiber | 8 g | 
| Fat | 4 g | 
| Vitamin A | 30% Daily Value | 
| Vitamin C | 35% Daily Value | 
| Iron | 15% Daily Value | 
| Calcium | 4% Daily Value | 
Enjoy this nutritious and hearty Carrot and Capsicum Mix Dal Recipe as part of a balanced, delicious South Indian meal!








