Dal Shorba Recipe – Indian Style Lentil Soup
Description
Dal Shorba is a wholesome, nourishing, and flavorful Indian-style lentil soup that’s perfect for any chilly day. Packed with proteins and aromatic spices, this soup is quick and easy to prepare, using simple ingredients you probably already have at home. Whether enjoyed as a comforting appetizer or served alongside a hearty meal, Dal Shorba is sure to satisfy your taste buds. It’s an ideal dish to serve on a cold winter evening or whenever you need something both healthy and satisfying. The addition of lemon juice adds a lovely tang, while fresh coriander leaves provide a burst of freshness. For the ultimate experience, serve it with crispy croutons or savory breadsticks.
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Yellow Moong Dal (Split) | 1/4 cup |
| Onion | 1 (finely chopped) |
| Garlic | 6 cloves (minced) |
| Dry Ginger Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1/3 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Coconut Oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | As required |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Lemon Juice | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | For garnishing |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2-3
Instructions
-
Prepare the Moong Dal:
Start by washing the yellow moong dal thoroughly under cold water. Next, pressure cook the dal with enough water for 2 whistles, or if you prefer, cook it in a pot, adding enough water to ensure the dal is soft and fully cooked. Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally. After cooking, mash the dal with a spoon or use an immersion blender to puree it to a smooth consistency. Set the mashed dal aside. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
In a deep pan, heat 2 teaspoons of coconut oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onions turn translucent and fragrant. -
Cook the Soup:
Once the onions and garlic are ready, add the mashed dal to the pan along with 2 cups of water. Stir well to combine. Then, add salt to taste, turmeric powder, dry ginger powder, red chilli powder, and black pepper powder. Mix everything thoroughly and bring it to a simmer. Let the soup cook for 2-3 minutes, occasionally stirring to ensure the dal doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. -
Finish with Lemon:
Once the soup has cooked and thickened slightly, turn off the flame. Add the lemon juice, mixing it well into the soup for a burst of fresh flavor. Set the soup aside. -
Prepare the Tempering (Tadka):
To make the tempering, heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a small pan. Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and allow them to crackle. This will release their aromatic oils, giving the soup a distinctive flavor. Turn off the heat once the cumin seeds have crackled. -
Assemble the Soup:
Pour the tempering over the prepared Dal Shorba. Garnish the soup with fresh coriander leaves. For an extra touch, you can drizzle a little cream or sprinkle crushed cumin seeds on top. -
Serving:
Transfer the Dal Shorba to individual serving bowls. It can be served as a light appetizer on its own or paired with an appetizer like Achari Paneer Tikka. For a complete North Indian-style lunch, enjoy it alongside Tawa Paratha and Aloo Baingan Ki Sabzi.
Tips for a Perfect Dal Shorba
- Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less water, depending on your preference. If you like it thinner, add extra water while cooking.
- Flavor Boost: For extra depth of flavor, you can add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) to the tempering along with the cumin seeds.
- Storage: Dal Shorba can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat before serving.
- Vegan Option: Replace the coconut oil with any other vegetable oil if you prefer a more neutral flavor.
Dal Shorba is not just a soup; it’s a delicious and nutritious experience that brings together the warmth of spices and the richness of lentils. This simple yet satisfying dish is a fantastic choice for a cozy meal on a busy day. Try it out and enjoy a heartwarming bowl of North Indian comfort food!
