Indian Recipe: How to Make Dal, Part 1
Make Dal with this Howcast video. RECIPE, Pt. 1: 1 c. thoor dal; 2 tbsp. veg. oil; 1/2 tsp mustard seeds; 1 dried red chili; ¼ c. finely chopped onion; 1 tsp minced garlic; spice blend (1/2 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp turmeric, 1/8 tsp cayenne); 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp lemon juice; 1 tsp ghee. Bring washed dal and 2 1/2 c. water to boil. Simmer 30 min. Heat oil in fry pan; add mustard seeds. When they stop popping, add chili. Add onion; fry til light brown. Add garlic; fry 1 min. Add spice blend; fry 1 min. Stir mixture into dal with l/2 c. water and the salt. Simmer partially covered for10 min; add more water if too thick. Stir in lemon juice and ghee.
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Steps
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Step 1
You will need:
1 c. thoor dal, masoor dal, or yellow split peas 2 tbsp. vegetable oil 1/2 tsp. mustard seeds 1 dried red chili 1/4 c. finely chopped onion 1 tsp. minced garlic Spice Blend 1/2 tsp. cumin 1/4 tsp. turmeric 1/8 tsp. cayenne 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice 10 fresh curry leaves (optional) 1 tsp. Ghee (optional)
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Step 2
Wash the dal
In a large bowl wash the dal in several changes of water and drain.
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Place the dal and 2 1/2 cups water in a 2-quart saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook, partially covered, for 30 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the peas break up under pressure from a spoon. Check to make sure it doesn't boil over.
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Step 3
Add mustard seeds
When the dal has finished cooking, heat the oil in a frying pan. Add the mustard seeds to the oil and heat until they pop. When the popping subsides, toss in the dried red chili and curry leaves. After a few seconds, add the onion and fry until light brown. Put in the garlic and fry 1 minute.
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Add the spice blend and fry for another minute. Stir this mixture into the dal along with l/2 cup water (if needed) and the salt. Partially cover and continue simmering another 10 minutes, adding more water if the mixture is too thick. It should be the consistency of thick pea soup. Remove from the heat.
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Stir in the lemon juice and ghee. Taste for salt. Recipe may be prepared in advance and reheated.
