Dal Shorba Recipe – Indian-Style Lentil Soup
Overview
Dal Shorba, a delightful Indian-style lentil soup, is a comforting and nourishing appetizer that brings warmth and rich flavors to any meal. With yellow moong dal as its main ingredient, this dish is delicately spiced with ginger, cumin, turmeric, and a hint of lemon, offering a simple yet flavorful start to your North Indian dining experience. Perfectly paired with a side of Achari Paneer Tikka or Tawa Paratha, this soup makes for an inviting and wholesome course.
Ingredients & Nutritional Information
| Ingredient | Quantity | Nutritional Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Moong Dal (Split) | 1/4 cup | High in protein, fiber |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped | Rich in antioxidants, vitamin C |
| Garlic | 6 cloves, minced | Boosts immunity, anti-inflammatory |
| Dry Ginger Powder | 1/2 teaspoon | Aids digestion |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon | Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant |
| Red Chili Powder | 1/3 teaspoon | Adds spice, boosts metabolism |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1/2 teaspoon | Adds heat, anti-inflammatory |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon | Good for digestion |
| Coconut Oil | 2 teaspoons | Healthy fats |
| Salt | as required | Flavor enhancer |
| Water | 2 cups | Hydration |
| Lemon Juice | 1 teaspoon | Vitamin C |
| Coriander Leaves (Dhania) | For garnish | Adds freshness, vitamin K |
Preparation & Cooking Details
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mins | 15 mins | 25 mins | 4 |
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dal
- Rinse and Cook: Start by thoroughly washing the yellow moong dal under running water. Place the dal in a pressure cooker or a large pot. If using a pressure cooker, cook for 2 whistles, or if boiling, simmer until the dal is tender and soft. Allow the pressure to release naturally if using a cooker.
- Mash the Dal: Once cooked, use a hand blender or a masher to blend the dal until it reaches a smooth consistency. Set the mashed dal aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat the Oil: In a medium-sized pan, add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil and allow it to warm up over medium heat.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Sauté the finely chopped onion and garlic cloves until they become soft and translucent, releasing a fragrant aroma.
Step 3: Simmer the Dal
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the mashed dal into the pan with the onions and garlic. Add 2 cups of water, salt, turmeric powder, ginger powder, black pepper powder, and red chili powder.
- Simmer the Soup: Stir well to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow the soup to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the dal from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: Finish with Lemon and Tempering
- Add Lemon Juice: Once the soup has simmered and the spices have melded, turn off the heat and add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Stir to combine and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Prepare the Tempering: In a small tempering pan, heat the remaining teaspoon of coconut oil. Add cumin seeds, and let them sizzle and crackle for a few seconds. Remove from heat promptly to avoid burning the seeds.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Pour the Tempering: Drizzle the tempered cumin oil over the dal shorba for added flavor and aroma.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh coriander leaves for a vibrant touch.
- Serve: Transfer the Dal Shorba to serving bowls. For an extra-special touch, garnish with a dollop of cream or a sprinkle of crushed cumin seeds.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this Dal Shorba alongside a North Indian starter like Achari Paneer Tikka. For a complete meal, pair with Tawa Paratha and a simple side like Aloo Baingan Ki Sabzi.
