Dive into the vibrant world of Indian cuisine with our mouthwatering Tomato Dal, also known as Tomato Pappu! This comforting dish is a delightful blend of red lentils and fresh tomatoes, simmered to perfection and bursting with flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe promises to warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds. With just 30 minutes of your time, you can whip up a nourishing dish that serves four and is sure to impress your family and friends. Ready to elevate your culinary skills and create a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils
- 2 cups water
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- Fresh coriander for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients. Ensure that the red lentils are rinsed under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and any impurities.
- In a medium-sized pot, add 1 cup of rinsed red lentils and 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and salt to taste. Stir well to combine.
- Cover the pot and let the lentils simmer for about 15 minutes, or until they are soft and fully cooked. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- While the lentils are cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds and allow them to splutter.
- Next, add the chopped onion to the pan. Sauté the onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and slit green chilies to the pan. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and mushy.
- Once the lentils are cooked, add the tomato and onion mixture to the pot with the lentils. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Let the dal simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Adjust the salt if necessary.
- Once done, remove the pot from heat and garnish the Tomato Dal with fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve the Tomato Dal hot with steamed rice or Indian bread (roti or naan) for a complete meal.
Tips
- Rinse the Lentils Thoroughly: Make sure to rinse the red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. This step is crucial for removing excess starch and ensuring a smooth texture in your dal.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, feel free to reduce the number of green chilies. Alternatively, for a spicier kick, add more chilies or a pinch of red chili powder.
- Customize Your Vegetables: Don’t hesitate to add other vegetables like spinach or carrots to the dal for added nutrition and flavor. Just chop them finely and add them along with the tomatoes.
- Simmer for Depth of Flavor: Allow the dal to simmer for a few extra minutes after combining the tomato-onion mixture. This helps the flavors meld beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying dish.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh coriander is not just for decoration! It adds a refreshing taste that complements the dish perfectly. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra zing before serving.
- Serve with the Right Accompaniments: Tomato Dal pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, roti, or naan. Don’t forget to serve it with a side of yogurt or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
