Imagine a warm, fragrant dish that transports you straight to the heart of Indian cuisine with just one pot and minimal effort. Our One Pot Mong Masoor Daal is not just a recipe; it's a culinary journey that promises to tantalize your taste buds, warm your soul, and impress even the most discerning dinner guests. This incredibly simple yet supremely delicious lentil dish is about to become your new go-to comfort meal that combines authentic flavors, nutritional powerhouse ingredients, and the magic of hassle-free cooking.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils (masoor dal)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 4 cups water or vegetable broth
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. This will make the cooking process smoother.
- Rinse the red lentils (masoor dal) under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove any impurities and excess starch.
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
- Stir in the turmeric and cumin, cooking for another minute to toast the spices and release their flavors.
- Add the rinsed red lentils to the pot and stir well to combine with the onion and spices.
- Pour in the 4 cups of water or vegetable broth, and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the dal to simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- After the lentils are cooked, season with salt to taste. If the dal is too thick, you can add a little more water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a few minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the One Pot Mong Masoor Daal hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. It pairs wonderfully with rice or naan.
Tips
- Always rinse your lentils thoroughly to remove excess starch and ensure a cleaner, more refined texture.
- Toast your spices (cumin and turmeric) briefly before adding lentils to enhance their aromatic qualities and depth of flavor.
- Use vegetable broth instead of water for an extra layer of complexity in your dal.
- Keep stirring occasionally to prevent lentils from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Let the dal rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and develop.
- For a creamier consistency, you can partially blend some of the cooked lentils.
- Fresh cilantro is not just a garnish - it adds a bright, fresh note that elevates the entire dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 18g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
