Yellow Pumpkin Dal Recipe: A Comforting North Indian Delight
The Yellow Pumpkin Dal is a rich and comforting North Indian dish, perfect for a quick weekday dinner. The thick lentil curry, infused with the flavors of garlic, mustard seeds, and other aromatic spices, pairs beautifully with steamed rice or phulkas. The addition of soft pumpkin cubes brings an earthy sweetness, making this dish an ideal comfort meal.
This high-protein vegetarian recipe is not only simple to prepare but also wholesome and satisfying. The tangy notes from the lemon juice balance the richness of the dal, while the crispy fried mustard seeds and curry leaves lend a deep, flavorful punch to the dish.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arhar Dal (Split Toor Dal) | 1 cup |
| Kaddu (Parangikai/ Pumpkin) | 500 grams (cut into 1-inch cubes) |
| Pearl Onions (Sambar Onions) | 1/2 cup (quartered) |
| Garlic | 4 cloves (finely chopped) |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 3 sprigs (finely chopped) |
| Lemon Juice | From 1 lemon |
| Oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | 6 leaves (finely chopped) |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~220 kcal |
| Protein | ~10g |
| Fat | ~7g |
| Carbohydrates | ~35g |
| Fiber | ~6g |
| Sodium | ~200mg |
(Note: The nutritional values may vary depending on portion sizes and ingredients used.)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Lentils
- Begin by cooking the toor dal (Arhar dal) in a pressure cooker with 4 cups of water. Cook the dal until it is very soft and fully cooked. If you don’t have a pressure cooker, you can cook it on the stovetop, but it will take a little longer.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds. Let them splutter.
- Add the curry leaves and asafoetida (hing) to the pan. Allow them to infuse their flavor into the oil for a few seconds.
- Add the quartered pearl onions and finely chopped garlic. Sauté them until the onions turn soft and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness.
Step 3: Cook the Pumpkin
- Add the diced yellow pumpkin (kaddu), salt, and red chili powder to the pan. Stir well to coat the pumpkin evenly with the spices.
- Pour in a teaspoon of water, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pan with a lid. Let the pumpkin cook for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes soft and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Combine Dal and Pumpkin
- Once the pumpkin is cooked, add the prepared toor dal to the pan. Stir to combine the pumpkin and dal mixture thoroughly.
- Add garam masala powder and adjust the consistency of the dal by adding more water if necessary. Let the dal simmer on high heat for a few minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Once everything is well-cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish the Yellow Pumpkin Dal with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- Let the dal rest for 10 minutes before serving. Squeeze the juice of a lemon over the dal for a fresh, tangy kick.
Serving Suggestions
For a complete and balanced meal, Yellow Pumpkin Dal pairs beautifully with phulkas or steamed rice. Serve it alongside Kalonji Gobi Aloo (spiced cauliflower and potatoes) and a spicy lime pickle (Naranga Achaar) to elevate the flavors of the meal. This combination will transport you straight to the heart of North India, where these comforting flavors reign supreme.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
- High Protein: The combination of toor dal and pumpkin makes this dish a protein-packed option for a vegetarian dinner.
- Comforting & Nourishing: This dish is perfect for cold evenings when you need something hearty, filling, and soothing.
- Full of Flavor: The blend of spices like mustard seeds, curry leaves, and garam masala creates a rich, aromatic flavor profile that makes every bite exciting.
Enjoy this comforting, vibrant, and nourishing dish that brings the heartwarming flavors of Yellow Pumpkin Dal straight to your table!
