Dal Fry Recipe: A Delicious North Indian Comfort Dish
Dal Fry is a popular North Indian recipe that brings a delightful and comforting experience to your dining table. This high-protein vegetarian dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With its rich flavors and aromatic spices, it is an excellent choice for lunch or dinner, particularly when paired with chapati, rice, or bhakri. Follow this simple yet flavorful recipe to enjoy a satisfying and hearty meal.
Ingredients for Dal Fry
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chana Dal (Bengal Gram) | 1 cup |
| Water | As needed |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium-sized |
| Tomatoes (finely chopped) | 2 medium-sized |
| Green Chilies (finely chopped) | 2 |
| Ginger (2-inch piece) | 1, finely chopped |
| Garlic (cloves) | 5, finely chopped |
| Kasuri Methi (dried fenugreek leaves) | 2 tablespoons |
| Turmeric Powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Lemon | As needed |
| Fresh Coriander (finely chopped) | For garnishing |
| Kashmiri Red Chili Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | ½ teaspoon |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 tablespoon |
| Fennel Seeds (Saunf) | 1 tablespoon |
| Cumin Seeds | 1 tablespoon |
| Dry Red Chilies | 2 |
| Ghee (clarified butter) | As needed |
Preparation Time
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 10 minutes |
| Cooking | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
Servings: 2
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Lunch/Dinner
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Instructions to Make Dal Fry
Step 1: Preparing the Lentils
- Begin by thoroughly rinsing the chana dal (Bengal gram) under cold water.
- Soak the dal in water for about 20 to 30 minutes. This softens the lentils and reduces the cooking time.
Step 2: Cooking the Lentils
- After soaking, drain the water from the dal.
- Place the soaked dal in a pressure cooker, adding water as needed, along with salt and turmeric powder.
- Cook the dal for about 5 whistles (or until the dal is soft and fully cooked). Once done, open the cooker and carefully separate the water from the dal, keeping the water aside for later use.
Step 3: Preparing the Masala Base
- Heat ghee and oil in a pan over medium heat. The combination of oil and ghee enhances the flavor of the dal.
- Add finely chopped ginger, garlic, and green chilies to the pan and cook for 2 minutes until the mixture releases a fragrant aroma.
- Add the finely chopped onion and cook it until it turns soft and golden brown.
- Once the onion is caramelized, add the chopped tomatoes and cook them until they turn soft and mushy.
Step 4: Combining Dal with the Masala
- Add the cooked chana dal to the masala mixture and stir it well to combine.
- Pour in the reserved dal water (adjust the quantity based on the consistency you prefer) and mix thoroughly.
- Season the dal with salt according to taste and cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors blend and the dal thicken to your desired consistency.
Step 5: Preparing the Tempering (Tadka)
- In a separate small pan (for the tempering), heat ghee over medium heat.
- Add mustard seeds, fennel seeds, and cumin seeds. Let them sizzle for about 15 seconds.
- Once the seeds crackle, add asafoetida (hing), dry red chilies, and Kashmiri red chili powder. Stir for another 15 seconds to release the spices’ flavors.
- Immediately pour this tempering over the cooked dal, mixing it in well.
Step 6: Let the Dal Rest and Garnish
- Cover the dal with a lid and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps the flavors to further infuse and settle.
- After resting, garnish the dal fry with freshly chopped green coriander leaves to add freshness and color.
Step 7: Serving
- Serve the dal fry hot with rice, chapati, bhakri, or roti. It can also be enjoyed with a side of Seva Tomato vegetable for an authentic North Indian meal experience.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200-250 kcal |
| Protein | 12-15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30-35 g |
| Fat | 8-12 g |
| Fiber | 6-7 g |
| Sodium | 400-500 mg |
Note: The nutritional values may vary depending on the amount of ghee used and the ingredients added.
Dal Fry is not just a staple in many Indian homes, but it’s also a dish that offers both warmth and comfort. The balance of spices and the hearty texture of the lentils make it a favorite at the table, especially when paired with hot chapati or steamed rice. This recipe is perfect for a quick, nutritious meal that will please everyone in your family.
