Tuvar ni Dal Recipe – Parsi Toovar Dal Recipe
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Parsi
Course: Main Course
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Tuvar ni Dal (also known as Parsi Toovar Dal) is a hearty, flavorful dish popular in Parsi cuisine. This dal recipe combines the richness of arhar dal (pigeon peas) with an aromatic blend of spices, making it a comforting dish that pairs beautifully with roti or rice. Whether you’re a Parsi food enthusiast or exploring traditional Indian vegetarian dishes, this recipe promises to delight your taste buds with its authentic flavors and textures.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Translated Ingredient |
|---|---|---|
| Salt | To taste | Salt – as per taste |
| Arhar dal (Toor dal) | 1 cup | 1 cup of arhar dal |
| Turmeric powder | 1/2 tsp | 1/2 tsp turmeric powder |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 | 1 onion – chopped |
| Tomato (chopped) | 1 | 1 tomato – chopped |
| Ghee | 1 tbsp | 1 tbsp ghee |
| Green coriander (sprigs) | 2 | 2 sprigs of green coriander |
| Green chili | 1 | 1 green chili |
| Ginger | 1 inch | 1 inch ginger |
| Garlic | 6 cloves | 6 cloves garlic |
| Cumin seeds | 1 tsp | 1 tsp cumin seeds |
| Coriander seeds | 1 tbsp | 1 tbsp coriander seeds |
| Dry red chilies | 2 | 2 dry red chilies |
| Cinnamon stick | 1/2 inch | 1/2 inch cinnamon |
| Cloves | 2 | 2 cloves |
| Whole black pepper | 4 | 4 whole black peppers |
| Khus khus (poppy seeds) | 1 tsp | 1 tsp khus khus |
| Ghee (for tempering) | 1 tsp | 1 tsp ghee |
| Cumin seeds (for tempering) | 1/2 tsp | 1/2 tsp cumin |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dal:
- Start by rinsing the tuvar dal (arhar dal) thoroughly and soaking it in about 2 cups of water. Let it soak for a few minutes to soften.
-
Grind the Spice Paste:
- In a mixer grinder, add the green coriander, green chili, ginger, garlic, dry red chilies, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, cinnamon stick, cloves, black pepper, and khus khus. Grind all the ingredients into a smooth paste using a little water if necessary.
-
Cook the Base:
- Heat ghee in a pressure cooker over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns golden brown and soft.
- Add the chopped tomato to the cooked onions and cook for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
-
Add the Spice Paste:
- Add the freshly ground spice paste to the cooker and cook for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the spices to roast.
-
Cook the Dal:
- After 10 minutes, add the soaked dal along with 1 cup of water to the pressure cooker. Stir to combine the dal with the spiced mixture.
- Close the lid of the cooker and cook on medium heat for about 4-5 whistles. Allow the pressure to naturally release.
-
Prepare the Tempering (Tadka):
- In a small pan, heat ghee for tempering. Once the ghee is hot, add the cumin seeds and sauté for 15 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat.
-
Finish the Dal:
- Open the pressure cooker and gently stir the cooked dal. Pour the prepared tempering (tadka) over the dal, mix well, and let it sit for a minute to absorb the flavors.
-
Serve:
- Serve this delicious Tuvar ni Dal hot, garnished with fresh coriander sprigs. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, phulka, or a vegetable dish like bhindi masala and a refreshing cucumber salad.
Enjoy this traditional Parsi dish as a part of a wholesome meal. Its rich, comforting texture and spice blend make it a perfect choice for both everyday meals and special occasions.
