Sweet Potato Dal Recipe

Indulge in the heartwarming comfort of Sweet Potato Dal, a delightful North Indian dish that marries the earthy flavors of masoor dal with the sweetness of tender sweet potatoes. This recipe is not only rich in nutrients but also embodies the essence of vegetarian cuisine, making it a perfect addition to your lunch table. The combination of spices and the fragrant tempering adds depth to this dish, making it a staple for weekday meals.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Masoor Dal (Whole)	1 cup
Sweet Potatoes – cubed	1 cup
Coconut Oil (or any other oil)	1 tablespoon
Onion – finely chopped	2
Tomato – finely chopped	1
Cumin seeds (Jeera)	1 teaspoon
Green Chillies – slit lengthwise	4
Garlic – peeled and chopped	5
Turmeric powder (Haldi)	1-1/2 teaspoons
Red Chilli powder	1 teaspoon
Garam masala powder	1 teaspoon
Curry leaves	6
Salt	1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
Water	2 cups
Sunflower Oil	1 teaspoon
Cumin seeds (Jeera)	1/2 teaspoon
White Urad Dal (Split)	1/2 teaspoon
Mustard seeds	1/2 teaspoon
Coriander (Dhania) Leaves	Few sprigs

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	Approx. 220
Protein	Approx. 10 g
Carbohydrates	Approx. 40 g
Fiber	Approx. 8 g
Fat	Approx. 7 g
Sodium	Approx. 200 mg

Preparation Time

Activity	Duration
Preparation Time	10 minutes
Cooking Time	35 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes

Servings

This recipe serves 4 people.

Instructions

Prepare the Dal: Begin by rinsing the masoor dal thoroughly under running water. Soak the washed dal in water for about an hour to soften it. After soaking, drain the water.
Cook the Dal: In a pressure cooker, combine the soaked dal with one cup of water. Secure the lid and cook for approximately two whistles on medium heat. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a non-stick pan, add coconut oil and heat it over medium flame. Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and allow them to splutter.
Add Chillies and Garlic: Incorporate the slit green chilies and chopped garlic into the pan. Sauté them until the garlic turns a lovely golden brown.
Cook Onions and Tomatoes: Next, add the finely sliced onions and sauté until they become translucent. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and turn mushy.
Spice it Up: Sprinkle in the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Mix the spices thoroughly to coat the onion and tomato mixture.
Incorporate Sweet Potatoes: Add the cubed sweet potatoes to the pan, stirring gently to ensure that the spices are well blended with the potatoes.
Add Water and Simmer: Pour in two cups of water and cook on high flame until the sweet potato pieces become tender.
Combine with Cooked Dal: Add the cooked masoor dal to the sweet potato mixture. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if desired, and season with salt to taste.
Final Simmer: Reduce the heat and allow the dal to simmer for an additional five minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Prepare the Tempering: In a small separate pan, heat one teaspoon of sunflower oil. Once hot, add mustard seeds, followed by the white urad dal and cumin seeds. Let the mustard seeds crackle and the cumin seeds turn a light brown.
Combine and Garnish: Pour the tempered oil over the dal and give it a gentle stir. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for an added touch of flavor and color.
Serve: Serve your delightful Sweet Potato Dal warm, accompanied by steaming basmati rice and a dollop of ghee, or pair it with jeera rice and a refreshing Kachumber salad for a wholesome meal that’s sure to comfort.

Conclusion

Sweet Potato Dal is not just a dish; it’s a symphony of flavors and nutrients that celebrates the essence of North Indian cuisine. With its rich texture and aromatic spices, it promises to be a delightful addition to your dining table, whether you’re preparing a casual family meal or entertaining guests. Dive into this bowl of warmth, and savor each spoonful of love and comfort it brings to your day!