Carrot and Capsicum Mix Dal Recipe
This Carrot and Capsicum Mix Dal recipe is a delightful South Indian dish that combines the earthy flavors of toor dal with the vibrant taste of fresh carrots and capsicum, making it a nutritious and flavorful addition to your lunch menu. Lightly spiced and seasoned with a traditional South Indian tempering, this dal is best enjoyed with a side of steamed rice and perhaps some Beetroot Thoran for a complete, wholesome meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Toor dal (Arhar dal) | 1 cup |
| Carrot, diced | 1 medium |
| Green Capsicum, diced | 1 medium |
| Tomato, chopped | 1 large |
| Ginger, chopped | 1-inch piece |
| Turmeric powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Tamarind water | 1 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Mustard seeds | 1 tsp |
| Cumin seeds | 1 tsp |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | A pinch |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Green chili, slit | 1 |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions
-
Cooking the Dal:
In a pressure cooker, add the rinsed toor dal, diced carrots, diced green capsicum, chopped tomato, turmeric powder, salt, and about 2 cups of water. Close the lid and cook on medium heat for about 5 whistles or until the dal is soft and fully cooked. Allow the pressure to release naturally. -
Preparing the Tempering (Tadka):
In a small skillet or tadka pan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. Follow with cumin seeds and let them crackle. Add a pinch of asafoetida, curry leaves, and the green chili. Sauté briefly until the curry leaves become crisp. -
Combining Dal and Tamarind Water:
Open the pressure cooker, and place it back on low heat. Add the tamarind water to the cooked dal and stir well to combine. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes, ensuring the tamarind water is well incorporated into the dal. -
Finishing Touches:
Pour the prepared tempering (tadka) into the dal and mix well. Adjust salt if needed. Let the dal cook for another minute, then turn off the heat. -
Serving:
Serve the Carrot and Capsicum Mix Dal hot with steamed rice and a side of Beetroot Thoran for a complete South Indian meal.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Vitamin A | 30% Daily Value |
| Vitamin C | 35% Daily Value |
| Iron | 15% Daily Value |
| Calcium | 4% Daily Value |
Enjoy this nutritious and hearty Carrot and Capsicum Mix Dal Recipe as part of a balanced, delicious South Indian meal!
