Hearty Dhaba-Style Dal Fry: A Flavorful North Indian Delight

Dhaba Style Dal Fry Recipe

Embark on a culinary journey with this delightful Dhaba Style Dal Fry, a quintessential North Indian dish that embodies the essence of rustic dining found along the highways of India. Known for its rich flavors and comforting warmth, this dal fry is perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, paired beautifully with Indian bread or rice.

Ingredients

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the ingredients required to make this flavorful dal fry:

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings

• Servings: 2

Instructions

Now, let’s delve into the steps to create this mouthwatering Dhaba Style Dal Fry:

1. Boil the Lentils: Begin by washing the dals thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. Combine the Arhar dal, Chana dal, Masoor dal, White Urad dal, and Yellow Moong dal in a pressure cooker. Add half a teaspoon of turmeric powder and the required salt. Pour in enough water to cover the dals, and pressure cook for about three whistles. Once cooked, allow the pressure to release naturally, open the lid, and give the dal a good stir. Set it aside for later use.

2. Prepare the Tempering: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat a generous amount of ghee over medium heat. Once the ghee is hot, add the asafoetida, cumin seeds, and mustard seeds. Sauté until the seeds begin to splutter and release their aroma, which should take about a minute.

3. Add Whole Spices: To the sizzling mixture, add the broken bay leaf, black cardamom, green cardamom, star anise, cloves, and salted green chillies. Stir well and let the spices cook for another 30 seconds, allowing their flavors to meld beautifully.

4. Incorporate Aromatics: Add the ginger-garlic paste and the freshly chopped green chillies to the pan. Cook this mixture for about a minute until the raw aroma of the ginger-garlic paste disappears.

5. Sauté the Onions: Next, add the thinly sliced onions to the pan. Sauté them until they turn a lovely golden brown, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial as it adds depth of flavor to your dal fry.

6. Add Tomatoes and Spices: Once the onions are golden, add the chopped tomatoes along with the remaining turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, and salt. Stir everything well to combine. Allow the mixture to cook for 5-8 minutes, adding a splash of water if needed, until the tomatoes soften and the masalas are cooked through.

7. Combine Lentils and Simmer: Now, introduce the cooked dal into the pan. Stir well to combine, adjusting the consistency with additional water as desired. Let the dal simmer for 8-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

8. Final Touches: Once simmered, switch off the stove and garnish with finely chopped fresh coriander leaves, enhancing the visual appeal and adding a fresh note to the dish.

9. Serving Suggestions: Serve your Dhaba Style Dal Fry hot with a side of Sev Tamatar Ki Sabzi, Tomato Onion Cucumber Raita, and freshly made Phulka for an authentic and satisfying Rajasthani meal that brings the flavors of the dhaba right to your dining table.

Conclusion

Indulge in the heartwarming experience of savoring this Dhaba Style Dal Fry, a dish that not only nourishes the body but also warms the soul, evoking the spirit of Indian roadside eateries where the love for food is palpable. With its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your home. Enjoy!