Dal Fry Recipe (Punjabi Style) – A Flavorful North Indian Lentil Delight
Introduction:
Dal Fry is a hearty and flavorful dish commonly found in many Indian households. It’s made using split chickpeas (Chana Dal) and is typically richer and thicker than regular dal. The tempering (Tadka) used in this recipe enhances the taste and gives it a deliciously unique flavor that’s beloved in North Indian cuisine. It’s an ideal dish to serve during lunch, especially when paired with chapati, rice, or even bhakri.
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients:
Here’s a detailed list of ingredients required for this comforting dal:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chana Dal (split chickpeas) | 1 cup |
| Water | As required |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Tomato | 2, finely chopped |
| Green Chilies | 2, finely chopped |
| Ginger | 2-inch piece, grated |
| Garlic | 5 cloves, minced |
| Kasuri Methi (dried fenugreek leaves) | 2 tbsp |
| Turmeric Powder | ½ tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Lemon | 1, juiced |
| Fresh Coriander (Cilantro) | For garnish |
| Kashmiri Red Chili Powder | 1 tsp |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | ½ tsp |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai) | 1 tbsp |
| Fennel Seeds (Saunf) | 1 tbsp |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 tbsp |
| Dry Red Chilies | 2, broken |
| Ghee (Clarified Butter) | As required |
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Instructions:
Follow these easy steps to create a delicious Dal Fry from scratch.
Step 1: Soaking the Dal
Start by rinsing the chana dal thoroughly. Soak it in water for 20 to 30 minutes. This helps the dal cook evenly and faster.
Step 2: Cooking the Dal
In a pressure cooker, add the soaked dal along with water, salt, and turmeric powder. Close the lid and cook for 5 whistles. Once done, remove the lid, and carefully drain the excess water from the dal. Set this aside.
Step 3: Making the Tadka
In a frying pan or kadhai, heat ghee and a little oil. Add grated ginger, minced garlic, and chopped green chilies. Sauté for about 2 minutes until they soften and release their aroma.
Step 4: Cooking the Onions and Tomatoes
Now, add the finely chopped onions to the pan. Cook them until they become soft and turn golden brown. Then, add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become tender and fully cooked down. This will form a rich base for your dal.
Step 5: Combining Dal with the Mixture
Add the cooked dal to this base. Stir the mixture well to combine the flavors. Add the reserved dal water to adjust the consistency of the dal, and add salt to taste. Let the dal simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together and the dal to thicken slightly.
Step 6: Preparing the Tadka (Tempering)
For the final touch, prepare the tempering. Heat ghee in a small pan. Add mustard seeds (raai), fennel seeds (saunf), and cumin seeds (jeera). After about 15 seconds, add asafoetida (hing), dry red chilies, and Kashmiri red chili powder. Allow the spices to sizzle for another 15 seconds.
Step 7: Adding the Tadka to the Dal
Pour the prepared tempering into the simmering dal. Give it a quick stir and cover the pan. Let it rest for 10 minutes so that the flavors of the tempering infuse into the dal.
Step 8: Garnishing and Serving
After the dal has rested, garnish it with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with chapati, steamed rice, or bhakri. You can also squeeze a little lemon juice for a tangy kick.
Tips for Perfect Dal Fry:
- Consistency: Adjust the water as needed to achieve your preferred consistency. Dal fry can be served as a thicker dal or with a more soupy consistency depending on your preference.
- Spices: Feel free to tweak the spices as per your taste. Some like it spicier, while others prefer a milder flavor.
- Tadka Variation: You can use ghee or oil based on your preference for tempering. Ghee enhances the flavor and gives it a rich taste.
Serving Suggestions:
Dal Fry can be served with a variety of Indian breads such as chapati, naan, or paratha. It’s also perfectly paired with steamed rice, jeera rice, or even biryani for a fulfilling meal. You can serve it with a side of pickles, yogurt, or papad to elevate the flavors further.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Fiber | 7g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
Enjoy this rich and wholesome Dal Fry, a dish that’s both satisfying and packed with proteins, making it a perfect option for a high-protein vegetarian meal. Whether it’s for a casual weekday lunch or a special dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!
