Punjabi Toor Dal Tadka Recipe Using Preethi Electric Pressure Cooker
Description
Punjabi Toor Dal Tadka, paired with steamed rice, is the epitome of comfort food found in many Indian households. This hearty, nutritious dish is known for its wholesome flavors and is a staple in Punjabi cuisine. Made with basic ingredients commonly available in every Indian kitchen, Toor Dal Tadka is a high-protein vegetarian delight that combines lentils, aromatic spices, and ghee for a rich, satisfying meal. Whether served as a side or the main dish, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare, making it a favorite for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.
Cuisine
Punjabi
Course
Lunch
Diet
High Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arhar dal (Split Toor Dal) | 1 cup, washed and soaked for 15 minutes |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Ginger | 1 inch, finely chopped |
| Garlic | 6 cloves, finely chopped |
| Green Chillies | 2, slit |
| Tomato | 1, finely chopped |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | A small bunch, finely chopped |
Ingredients for Tadka:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, thinly sliced |
| Red Chilli powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
30 minutes
Instructions
-
Preheat the Electric Pressure Cooker:
Begin by turning on your Preethi Electric Pressure Cooker. Press the “Menu” button and keep pressing the plus button until you reach P-15 (Saute Mode). Allow the pan to preheat for about 4 minutes. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
Once the pan is heated, add 1 tablespoon of ghee. Add 1 finely chopped onion, 1 inch of chopped ginger, 6 finely chopped garlic cloves, and 2 slit green chillies. Sauté this mixture until the onions soften and turn a light golden color, which should take about 5-7 minutes. -
Cook the Spices and Tomatoes:
To the softened onions, add 1 finely chopped tomato, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (haldi), 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder, 1 teaspoon coriander powder, 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder, and salt to taste. Stir and sauté until the tomatoes soften and become mushy, which should take another 5-7 minutes. -
Add the Toor Dal and Water:
Once the tomatoes are cooked through, add the soaked 1 cup of toor dal to the cooker along with 2 cups of water. Stir the ingredients together, ensuring the dal is well-mixed with the spices and vegetables. -
Pressure Cook the Dal:
Cover the pressure cooker with the lid and change the nozzle to the pressure mode. Then, press the Menu button again and keep pressing the plus button until you reach P-4 (Dal Mode). Once the mode is selected, the cooker will begin cooking. After the cooking cycle finishes, the display will show “ÖH”, indicating the cooking is complete. -
Natural Pressure Release:
Allow the pressure to release naturally. Wait until the red nozzle drops down before carefully opening the pressure cooker. -
Prepare the Tadka:
In a small pan, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee. Add 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera) and 1 inch cinnamon stick. Once the cumin seeds splutter, add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon red chilli powder. Sauté for a minute until the garlic turns golden brown and aromatic. -
Combine the Tadka with the Dal:
Pour the prepared tadka over the cooked dal. Stir well to combine and infuse the dal with the delicious flavors of the tadka. -
Finishing Touches:
Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and squeeze in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for a burst of freshness. -
Serve:
Serve the Punjabi Toor Dal Tadka hot with steamed rice or roti for a satisfying meal.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, you can add a small dollop of ghee on top of the dal before serving.
- Adjust spice levels according to your taste by varying the amount of red chilli powder and green chillies.
- Soaking the dal for 15 minutes before cooking helps it cook faster and ensures a creamy consistency.
This Punjabi Toor Dal Tadka is a perfect example of simple yet flavorful comfort food that captures the essence of Punjabi home-cooked meals. Rich in protein, aromatic, and delicious, this dish is a staple in Indian households and makes for a nutritious and satisfying lunch.
