Garlic Dal Recipe: A North Indian Delight
Garlic Dal is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that holds a special place in every garlic lover’s heart. The richness of garlic, combined with the tanginess of tamarind and the spice from green chilies, makes this dal a creamy, aromatic dish that’s impossible to resist. The garlic punch, paired with the subtle heat and tartness, makes Garlic Dal the perfect companion to traditional North Indian flatbreads or steamed rice. It’s best enjoyed with lachha paratha, ragi mudde, or even steamed rice, and topped with a dollop of warm ghee. Whether you’re looking for a comforting lunch or a high-protein vegetarian option, this Garlic Dal will surely become one of your favorites.
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arhar Dal (Split Toor Dal) | 1 cup |
| Tamarind Paste | 1/4 cup |
| Green Chilies | 5 (adjustable) |
| Garlic | 10 cloves |
| Salt | To taste |
| For tempering: | |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | 10 leaves |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | As required for garnishing |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serving Size: Serves 4
Instructions
-
Cook the Dal: Begin by pressure cooking the Arhar Dal (Split Toor Dal) until it becomes soft and well-cooked. Once done, let the dal cool down for a bit.
-
Roast the Green Chilies: While the dal is cooling, dry roast the green chilies in a pan until they become slightly charred. This will help enhance the flavor of the chilies.
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Blend the Dal: In a mixer, blend the cooked dal, roasted green chilies, garlic, tamarind paste, and salt until the dal becomes smooth and creamy.
-
Prepare the Tempering: Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds. Once they begin to splutter, add the curry leaves and let them crackle in the hot oil for a few seconds.
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Combine Dal and Tempering: Immediately pour the blended dal into the pan with the tempering. Be careful not to heat the dal too much as the raw garlic flavor will diminish if cooked further. Simply mix everything together and turn off the heat.
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Garnish: Garnish the dal with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a fresh, herbal note.
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Serve: Serve your flavorful Garlic Dal hot with lachha paratha, steamed rice, or ragi mudde. Don’t forget to top it with a dollop of warm ghee for that rich, indulgent touch!
Tips for a Perfect Garlic Dal
- Adjust the number of green chilies depending on your preferred spice level.
- For a smoother dal, blend it a bit longer, but be careful not to overcook it after blending.
- The key to retaining the fresh garlic flavor is not to heat the dal too much after adding it to the tempering.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Protein | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 27g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sodium | 220mg |
| Vitamin C | 10% of DV |
Garlic Dal offers a delicious combination of protein-rich lentils, flavorful spices, and the aromatic punch of garlic, making it a healthy, satisfying meal. Whether you’re craving something comforting or need a nutritious vegetarian dish, Garlic Dal checks all the boxes.
This recipe, with its vibrant flavors, brings a taste of North India to your table. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or part of a larger meal, Garlic Dal is sure to please your taste buds and warm your heart!
