DAL FRY RECIPE (Restaurant Style Dal)

Dal Fry is a popular Indian dish made from lentils (dal). It is a flavorful and nutritious recipe that combines cooked lentils with aromatic spices and tempering. It is commonly enjoyed with rice or Indian breads such as roti or naan.

The lentils used in Dal Fry can vary, but some common choices include yellow lentils (toor dal), red lentils (masoor dal), or a combination of lentils for added texture and flavor. The lentils are cooked until they are soft and mushy, and then tempered with a combination of spices such as cumin seeds, turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala. The tempering, also known as tadka, usually involves frying the spices in ghee (clarified butter) or oil to release their flavors.

In addition to the lentils and spices, Dal Fry often includes onions, tomatoes, green chilies,

and ginger-garlic paste for added taste and aroma. The dish is usually garnished with fresh coriander leaves (cilantro) for a fresh touch.

It is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit individual preferences. It can be made with varying levels of spiciness, and additional ingredients like spinach, coconut milk, or cream can be added to create different variations.

Ingredients 

• 1 cup yellow or red lentils (toor dal or masoor dal)
• 2 cups water
• 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) or oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing

Instruction 

1. Rinse the lentils thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear.
2. In a pressure cooker or a large pot, add the rinsed lentils, water, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt. Cook until the lentils are soft and mushy. If using a pressure cooker, cook for about 4-5 whistles. If using a pot, it may take around 20-30 minutes.
3. Once the lentils are cooked, mash them lightly with the back of a spoon or a whisk. Set aside.
4. In a separate pan, heat ghee or oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
5. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
6. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
7. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy.
8. Add red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well and cook for another minute.
9. Pour the cooked lentils into the pan with the onion-tomato mixture. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes so that the flavors blend together.
10. If the dal is too thick, you can add some water to adjust the consistency.
11. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or Indian bread.

serving suggestion

1. Rice and Roti: Serve dal fry with steamed basmati rice or fragrant jeera rice. It pairs well with Indian breads like roti, naan, or paratha. The combination of dal fry with rice or bread makes for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
2. Dal Fry Bowl: Create a nourishing and hearty dal fry bowl by layering it with cooked quinoa, brown rice, or couscous. Top it with some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach. Garnish with fresh herbs, a dollop of yogurt, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a flavorful and balanced meal.
3. Dal Fry Soup: Dilute the dal fry with some vegetable or chicken broth to make a comforting and flavorful soup. Serve it with some crusty bread or a side of salad for a light and satisfying meal.
4. Dal Fry with Toppings: Customize your dal fry by adding various toppings to enhance the texture and flavors. You can add a spoonful of ghee, a drizzle of lemon juice, chopped onions, diced tomatoes, crispy fried onions, or a sprinkle of roasted cumin powder. These toppings add extra layers of taste and make the dal fry more interesting.
5. Dal Fry as a Side Dish: Dal fry can also be served as a side dish alongside other main courses. It complements dishes like vegetable biryani, pulao, or any spicy curry. Its mild and flavorful taste balances out the spices in other dishes.

Tips:

•  If you have time, you can soak the lentils for 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking. This helps in reducing the cooking time and also makes the lentils more digestible.
• To add an extra layer of flavor, you can prepare a tadka separately. Heat ghee or oil in a small pan, add cumin seeds, dried red chilies, and some garlic cloves. Let them sizzle and then pour the tadka over the cooked dal fry just before serving.
•  Adjust the consistency of the dal fry by adding water. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more water during the cooking process or while simmering. If you like it thicker, reduce the amount of water.
• Fresh coriander leaves (cilantro) add a fresh and vibrant touch to the dal fry. You can also sprinkle some lemon juice on top for a tangy flavor.

VARIATION

1. Mixed Lentils: Instead of using a single type of lentil, you can mix different lentils such as toor dal (yellow pigeon peas), masoor dal (red lentils), and moong dal (split yellow lentils) to create a flavorful combination.
2. Spinach : Add a healthy twist by incorporating chopped spinach or other leafy greens into the dal fry. Simply add them along with the onions and tomatoes during the cooking process.
3. Coconut : For a creamy and rich flavor, you can add some grated coconut or coconut milk to the dal fry. This variation is popular in coastal regions of India.
4. Garlic : If you love the taste of garlic, you can increase the amount of garlic in the recipe or add roasted garlic cloves to the dal fry for an aromatic flavor.

FAQs

• Can I make Dal Fry without a pressure cooker?

Yes, you can make Dal Fry without a pressure cooker. Simply cook the lentils in a pot with enough water until they are soft and mushy. It may take around 20-30 minutes of simmering on the stovetop. Keep checking and stirring occasionally to prevent the lentils from sticking to the bottom.

• Can I use pre-cooked or canned lentils for Dal Fry?

While it’s best to use raw lentils and cook them from scratch, you can use pre-cooked or canned lentils if you’re short on time. Adjust the cooking time accordingly and skip the initial step of cooking the lentils. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor may slightly differ from using freshly cooked lentils.

• Can I make Dal Fry in an Instant Pot or an electric pressure cooker?

Yes, you can make Dal Fry in an Instant Pot or an electric pressure cooker. Follow the same steps as mentioned in the stovetop pressure cooker method, but adjust the cooking time according to the instructions of your specific appliance.

• Is Dal Fry vegan?

Dal Fry can be made vegan by using oil instead of ghee for tempering. Make sure to check the ingredients of the spices used to ensure they are vegan-friendly.

• Can I make Dal Fry without onion and garlic?

Yes, if you prefer to avoid onion and garlic, you can make Dal Fry without them. Simply skip the steps that involve sautéing onions and add ginger-garlic paste. Adjust the other spices and flavors to suit your taste.