Dhaba Style Dal Fry Recipe
Introduction
Dhaba Style Dal Fry is a beloved dish hailing from the roadside eateries of North India, renowned for its rich flavors and comforting texture. This dish embodies the essence of home-cooked meals, often enjoyed with warm, fluffy rotis or fragrant rice. The use of multiple lentils and a melange of spices gives this dal a unique taste that is both hearty and satisfying. Perfect for a cozy family lunch or dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ghee | As per use |
| Asafoetida (Heeng) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds (Rai) | 1 teaspoon |
| Bay leaf (Tej Patta) | 1, broken |
| Green chilies | 3, salted |
| Cloves (Long) | 4 |
| Large cardamom | 1 |
| Star anise | 1 |
| Small cardamom (Elaichi) | 2 |
| Onions | 2, thinly sliced |
| Tomato | 1, finely chopped |
| Ginger-garlic paste | 1.5 tablespoons |
| Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh green chilies | 3, finely chopped |
| Fresh coriander leaves | 1 sprig, chopped |
| Arhar dal (Toor dal) | 2 tablespoons |
| Chana dal | 2 tablespoons |
| Masoor dal | 2 tablespoons |
| Split urad dal | 2 tablespoons |
| Yellow moong dal | 2 tablespoons |
| Water | As needed |
| Salt | To taste |
| Turmeric powder | 1.5 teaspoons |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutritional Component | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 250 |
| Protein | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Dietary Fiber | 10g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Sodium | 250mg |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings
- Servings: 2
Instructions
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Prepare the Lentils: Start by rinsing all the lentils under cold running water until the water runs clear. Combine the lentils in a pressure cooker along with 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder and a pinch of salt. Add enough water to cover the lentils, and cook for about three whistles or until they are soft and tender. Once the pressure has released, open the cooker and mash the lentils lightly. Set them aside.
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Sauté the Spices: In a deep frying pan or kadhai, heat ghee over medium heat. Add the asafoetida, cumin seeds, and mustard seeds, allowing them to sizzle for about 10 seconds until fragrant.
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Add Whole Spices: Next, toss in the broken bay leaf, large cardamom, small cardamom, star anise, cloves, and salted green chilies. Sauté for an additional 30 seconds to release the aromatic flavors.
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Cook the Base: Introduce the ginger-garlic paste and finely chopped green chilies to the pan. Stir and cook for about a minute until the raw smell dissipates. Then, add the sliced onions and cook them until they turn golden brown.
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Incorporate the Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes along with turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking, until the tomatoes are soft and the spices are well combined.
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Combine Lentils and Masala: Once the masala is cooked, gently fold in the prepared lentils. Add additional water to reach your desired consistency, and allow the mixture to simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat and garnish the dal fry with freshly chopped coriander leaves. For a complete meal, serve the Dhaba Style Dal Fry hot alongside seared tomato vegetable and fluffy phulkas or steamed basmati rice.
Serving Suggestions
This delightful Dhaba Style Dal Fry pairs wonderfully with warm phulkas, steamed basmati rice, or even jeera rice, making it a versatile dish for lunch or dinner. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and comforting warmth of this classic Indian dish, a true representation of the culinary treasures found in Indian dhabas.
Conclusion
Embrace the flavors of India with this Dhaba Style Dal Fry recipe, a dish that not only fills your stomach but also warms your heart. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can recreate the essence of a roadside dhaba right in your own kitchen. Whether it’s a busy weekday meal or a leisurely weekend feast, this dal fry is sure to please everyone at the table. Happy cooking!
