【Ingredients】
- Toor Dal (Tree Beans): 100g
- Tomato (Chopped): 1 medium
- ★ Mustard Seeds: 1/2 teaspoon
- ★ Cumin Seeds: 1/2 teaspoon
- ★ Fenugreek Seeds: 1/2 teaspoon
- ★ Green Chili: 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- ★ Curry Leaves: 1/2 teaspoon
- ★ Asafoetida (Hing) Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- ★ Chili Powder (Standard): 1/2 teaspoon
- ★ Coriander Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- ★ Turmeric Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Ghee: 1 and 1/2 tablespoons
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
- Sugar: 1/2 teaspoon
- Lemon Juice: 1/2 teaspoon
- Fresh Coriander: Appropriate amount (for garnishing)
- Water: As needed (approximately 100ml)
This is a basic list of ingredients for preparing a flavorful dal.
1. Begin by rinsing the toor dal thoroughly, similar to how you would wash rice. After rinsing, soak the dal in plenty of fresh water for about 30 minutes.
Once soaked, transfer the dal to a pot. Add enough water to cover the dal, plus a little extra.
Bring the water to a boil and cook the dal until it becomes soft, which should take about 20-25 minutes.
Note: If using a pressure cooker, the dal can be cooked more quickly and will be more tender. In a pressure cooker, the boiling time is approximately 10 minutes.
2. Blend the beans with the broth in a blender or mixer until you achieve a smooth, soup-like consistency.
*If you don't have a blender or mixer, you can use a whisk to mix the beans.
*If there isn't enough broth left, add enough water to fully submerge the beans.
Tip: Keep the heat low, as whole spices burn easily. The goal is to let the spices bubble gently and "dance" in the oil.
Note: Use the specified amount of ghee for the best results. The spices' aroma will infuse into the oil, enhancing the curry's flavor.
4. Add the spices marked with ★, along with salt and sugar. Fry the mixture for about 5-6 minutes, adding water as needed to prevent the texture from becoming too heavy.
5. Add the smooth, soup-like beans and lemon juice. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh coriander. Bring the mixture to a boil and serve in a bowl.
Note: If you let the dal sit for a while, the bean paste may separate into two layers: a smooth, soup-like layer and a thicker layer. Mix well before serving.
And there you have it—your delicious, comforting bowl of toor dal! With its rich flavors and nourishing ingredients, this dish is perfect for any meal. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with rice or bread, it’s sure to be a hit at your table. Enjoy your homemade toor dal and the warmth it brings!
