Lahsuni Dal Tadka with Pumpkin – A Flavorful and Wholesome North Indian Delight
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Dinner
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Introduction:
Lahsuni Dal Tadka with Pumpkin is a simple yet flavorful dal recipe that blends the aromatic essence of garlic with the earthy spices of North India. This quick and nourishing dish is the perfect comfort food, offering a balance of proteins and hearty vegetables. The addition of tender pumpkin (Kaddu) to the dal adds a natural sweetness and texture, making it a wholesome and filling meal. It’s a perfect dish for busy weeknight dinners or whenever you crave something warm and satisfying.
The dal is prepared using a mix of three different lentils—Arhar Dal, Yellow Moong Dal, and Masoor Dal—each contributing a distinct flavor and texture to the dish. Combined with the warmth of ginger, green chillies, and fragrant spices like cinnamon, bay leaves, and turmeric, this dish becomes an irresistible bowl of comfort. The final touch comes from the tempering (tadka) made with garlic, cumin seeds, and dry red chillies, which gives the dal a rich, savory depth of flavor.
Let’s dive into how you can create this quick and delectable Lahsuni Dal Tadka with Pumpkin in just under an hour.
Ingredients:
For the Dal:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arhar Dal (Split Toor Dal) | 1/4 cup |
| Yellow Moong Dal (Split) | 1/4 cup |
| Masoor Dal (Whole) | 1/4 cup |
| Ginger (grated) | 1 inch |
| Green Chillies (slit) | 2 |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch |
| Bay Leaves (Tej Patta) | 1 |
| Tomatoes (finely chopped) | 2 |
| Kaddu (Pumpkin) | 250 grams, peeled and chopped |
| Salt | To taste |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 tsp |
For the Seasoning (Tadka):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ghee | 1 tsp |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 tsp |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Dry Red Chillies | 2 |
Preparation Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Dal
- Start by preparing the dal in a pressure cooker. To do this, wash and rinse the dal thoroughly.
- Add the washed Arhar Dal, Yellow Moong Dal, Masoor Dal, grated ginger, turmeric powder, salt, chopped tomatoes, slit green chillies, chopped pumpkin, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves into the pressure cooker.
- Pour in 2 1/2 cups of water, and give everything a gentle stir to combine the ingredients.
- Close the lid of the pressure cooker and place the weight on top. Cook on high heat until you hear two whistles. Once the second whistle sounds, lower the heat and simmer the dal for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- After 4 minutes, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. The dal will continue cooking in the cooker as the pressure settles.
- Once the pressure has released, carefully open the cooker and give the dal a good stir. Taste the dal and adjust the salt and spices to your preference.
Step 2: Prepare the Seasoning (Tadka)
- In a separate small pan (tadka pan), heat the ghee over medium heat.
- Once the ghee is hot, add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
- Next, add the garlic cloves and dry red chillies. Roast them gently in the ghee until the garlic turns golden brown and releases its aroma.
- As the garlic and cumin crackle, pour the hot tadka over the cooked dal. The sizzling tempering will infuse the dal with its rich, savory flavors.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the tadka is added, stir the dal gently and check for seasoning.
- Serve the Lahsuni Dal Tadka with Pumpkin hot, accompanied by steamed rice for a complete meal.
- For an extra touch, serve alongside Palak Baingan Ki Sabzi and a refreshing Moong Sprouts Salad to balance the richness of the dal.
Tips:
- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the dal slightly with a hand blender after it’s cooked.
- You can adjust the consistency of the dal by adding more water if you like it thinner or reducing it for a thicker consistency.
- The tadka is the soul of this dal, so don’t skimp on the ghee and garlic—these add depth and authenticity to the dish.
- To make it spicier, you can add more green chillies or a pinch of red chilli powder during the cooking phase.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Sodium | 240 mg |
| Potassium | 600 mg |
| Vitamin A | 1500 IU |
| Vitamin C | 20 mg |
| Calcium | 40 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
Conclusion:
Lahsuni Dal Tadka with Pumpkin is the epitome of a simple, nutritious, and satisfying North Indian dish. The lentils, infused with the sweetness of pumpkin and the aromatic tadka of garlic, cumin, and red chillies, create a soul-satisfying dish that’s perfect for any dinner table. Whether you’re craving something cozy for yourself or cooking for a family, this dal is sure to impress with its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. Enjoy this delightful one-pot meal as part of a healthy, high-protein vegetarian diet!
