Dal

Dal is a staple dish in Indian cuisine, consisting of lentils or pulses cooked in a flavorful broth. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish.

There are many different types of dal, each with its own unique flavor profile. Some popular types of dal include:

• Toor dal: Yellow lentils
• Masoor dal: Red lentils
• Urad dal: Black gram
• Mung dal: Green gram

Here’s a basic recipe for toor dal:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup toor dal
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)  
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup water
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil

Instructions:

1. Sauté spices: Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds. Then, add coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala. Sauté for another 30 seconds.
2. Add onions and garlic: Add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent.
3. Add toor dal: Add the toor dal to the pot and stir well to coat with the spices.
4. Add water and simmer: Pour the water over the toor dal and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the lentils are cooked and tender.
5. Adjust taste and serve: Add salt to taste and stir in the chopped cilantro. Serve hot with rice or roti.

Tips:

• For a thicker dal, add a little more water or use a thickener like sago.
• You can add vegetables like potatoes or spinach to the dal for a more filling meal.
• Serve dal with a side of raita or papad.

Enjoy your delicious dal!