Dhaba Style Dal Fry Recipe
Description:
Dhaba Style Dal Fry is a simple yet flavorful recipe that combines a variety of lentils. This dish includes tuar dal, moong dal, urad dal, masoor dal, and chana dal, offering a rich texture and taste. A staple at many roadside eateries in North India, this dal is a favorite due to its hearty nature and can be enjoyed with thick, soft rotis. Its easy preparation and wonderful taste make it a perfect choice for a fulfilling lunch.
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients needed to prepare this mouthwatering Dal Fry:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ghee | As needed (for tempering) |
| Hing (Asafoetida) | 1/4 tsp |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 tsp |
| Mustard seeds (Rai) | 1 tsp |
| Bay leaf | 1 (torn into pieces) |
| Green chilies | 3 (slit) |
| Cloves (Long) | 4 |
| Black cardamom (Badi Elaichi) | 1 |
| Star anise | 1 |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) | 2 |
| Onion | 2 (finely sliced) |
| Tomato | 1 (finely chopped) |
| Ginger garlic paste | 1.5 tbsp |
| Red chili powder | 1 tsp |
| Coriander powder | 1 tsp |
| Green chilies | 2 (finely chopped) |
| Fresh coriander leaves | 1 sprig (finely chopped) |
| Arhar Dal (Toor Dal) | 2 tbsp |
| Chana Dal | 2 tbsp |
| Masoor Dal | 2 tbsp |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 2 tbsp |
| Yellow Moong Dal | 2 tbsp |
| Water | As needed |
| Salt | To taste |
| Turmeric powder | 1.5 tsp |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Instructions:
-
Prepare the lentils:
First, rinse all the lentils (arhar dal, chana dal, masoor dal, urad dal, and moong dal) thoroughly under cold water. Add them to a pressure cooker along with 1/2 tsp turmeric powder and salt to taste. Pressure cook the lentils for 3-4 whistles or until they are soft and fully cooked. Once the pressure is released, open the cooker, stir the dal, and set it aside. -
Tempering (Tadka):
In a deep pan or kadai, heat ghee over medium heat. Once the ghee is hot, add hing, cumin seeds, and mustard seeds. Let them sizzle for about 10 seconds. -
Spices:
Add the bay leaf, black cardamom, green cardamom, star anise, cloves, and green chilies. Let these spices cook for another 20-30 seconds, releasing their fragrance. -
Aromatics:
Next, add the ginger garlic paste to the pan and sauté for about 1 minute until it turns golden and fragrant. -
Cooking the onions:
Add the sliced onions to the pan and sauté until they turn brown and caramelized, which should take about 4-5 minutes. -
Add tomatoes and dry spices:
Once the onions are browned, add the chopped tomatoes, red chili powder, coriander powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together and cook the mixture for 5-8 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and the spices to cook thoroughly. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a little water to help the cooking process. -
Combine dal and spices:
After the spices are well-cooked, add the cooked dal to the pan. Stir everything together and let the dal simmer for 8-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine. Adjust the consistency of the dal by adding more water if needed. -
Final touch:
Once the dal has thickened and the flavors have melded, turn off the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a fresh burst of flavor. -
Serving:
Serve your Dhaba Style Dal Fry with hot rotis, parathas, or rice, along with a side of sabzi (vegetable curry) for a traditional North Indian meal.
Enjoy this hearty and flavorful Dal Fry, which brings the authentic taste of a North Indian dhaba to your home!
This recipe is perfect for those seeking a comforting and satisfying lunch, offering a healthy balance of lentils, spices, and flavors. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, this Dhaba Style Dal Fry will become a staple in your kitchen.
