Dal Fry

Instructions

1. 1

   Rinse and Soak Toor Dal

   25 min

   Thoroughly rinse toor dal under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the dal in about 3 cups of water for at least 1 hour; this helps soften the lentils and allows them to double in size. After soaking, drain the excess water to prepare for cooking.

2. 2

   Cook Dal to Softness

   1 min

   In a large pot, combine the soaked toor dal with 2-1/2 cups of fresh water, salt, and turmeric. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer, cooking for about 30 minutes until the dal is tender and has thickened to a soup-like texture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

3. 3

   Heat Ghee and Spices

   5 min

   In a frying pan, warm ghee over medium heat until it shimmers. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds, watching closely for them to crackle, which indicates they are releasing their flavor. Quickly add bay leaves, green chili, ginger, and red pepper, stirring for about 15-30 seconds until fragrant without burning.

4. 4

   Cook Tomatoes Until Tender

   22 min

   Add chopped tomatoes, along with additional salt and sugar, to the pan. Stir the mixture and allow it to cook until the tomatoes become soft and mushy, which should take around 5-7 minutes. This step enhances the sauce's flavor and richness.

5. 5

   Add Cilantro and Garam Masala

   6 min

   Stir in the cilantro and garam masala to the tomato mixture, allowing it to cook for about 1 minute. This brief cooking will infuse the spices into the sauce, enhancing its aroma and taste.

6. 6

   Combine Seasonings with Dal

   6 min

   Carefully pour the fragrant seasoning mixture over the cooked dal in the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients, and let this simmer together for an additional minute to meld the flavors.

7. 7

   Serve and Enjoy

   1 min

   Serve the dal fry hot, pairing it wonderfully with naan or rice for a complete meal. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired for added freshness.