VegetarianIndia

Dal Fry

Name: Dal Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: India
Ingredients: 1 cup Toor dal; 2-1/2 cups Water; 1 tsp Salt; 1/4 tsp Turmeric; 3 tbs Ghee; 1 cup Chopped tomatoes; 1/2 tsp Cumin seeds; 1/2 tsp Mustard Seeds; 2 Bay Leaf; 1 tbs chopped Green Chilli; 2 tsp shredded Ginger; 2 tbs Cilantro; 1/2 tsp Red Pepper; 1/2 tsp Salt; 1 tsp Sugar; 1/4 tsp Garam Masala

Dal Fry is a classic India vegetarian that holds a distinguished place in traditional cooking. Celebrated for its wholesome ingredients and time-honored preparation, this dish brings authentic regional character to the home kitchen.

Carefully prepared featuring Toor dal, Turmeric, Ghee, Chopped tomatoes, Cumin seeds, Mustard Seeds, Bay Leaf, Green Chilli, Ginger, Cilantro, Red Pepper and Garam Masala, the ingredients are simmered and seasoned to achieve a satisfying depth of flavor. The cooking process allows natural aromas to develop, ensuring each portion is both hearty and flavorful.

Serve hot alongside fresh bread, steamed grains, or a crisp seasonal salad for a well-rounded dining experience.

If you enjoy authentic India cooking, be sure to also explore our recipe for Baingan Bharta.

Rate this recipe

Be the first to rate

0 likes

Ingredients

Toor dal1 cup
Water2-1/2 cups
Salt1 tsp
Turmeric1/4 tsp
Ghee3 tbs
Chopped tomatoes1 cup
Cumin seeds1/2 tsp
Mustard Seeds1/2 tsp
Bay Leaf2
Green Chilli1 tbs chopped
Ginger2 tsp shredded
Cilantro2 tbs
Red Pepper1/2 tsp
Salt1/2 tsp
Sugar1 tsp
Garam Masala1/4 tsp

Step-by-Step Instructions

12 steps

Interactive Cook Mode: Click any step or circle to check it off as you cook.

Step 1

Wash and soak toor dal in approx. 3 cups of water, for at least one hours.

Step 2

Dal will be double in volume after soaking.

Step 3

Drain the water.

Step 4⏱️ 30 mins

Cook dal with 2-1/2 cups water and add salt, turmeric, on medium high heat, until soft in texture (approximately 30 mins) it should be like thick soup.

Step 5

In a frying pan, heat the ghee.

Step 6

Add cumin seeds, and mustard seeds.

Step 7

After the seeds crack, add bay leaves, green chili, ginger and chili powder.

Step 8🥄 Mix

Stir for a few seconds.

Step 9🥄 Mix

Add tomatoes, salt and sugar stir and cook until tomatoes are tender and mushy.

Step 10

Add cilantro and garam masala cook for about one minute.

Step 11🥄 Mix

Pour the seasoning over dal mix it well and cook for another minute.

Step 12✨ Serve

Serve with Naan.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Culinary Notes

Cultural Heritage

Dal Fry carries a rich culinary tradition rooted in regional home cooking. Developed over generations, the recipe highlights wholesome local ingredients prepared with time-honored kitchen techniques.

Dietary Substitutions

You can freely swap toor dal with firm pressed tofu, seitan, or thinly sliced mushrooms for a wholesome, plant-based stir-fry with equal bite and flavor absorption.

Chef Technique Tips

Ensure all ingredients are sliced to uniform thickness and patted dry before they hit the pan. Searing in a scorching hot skillet or wok creates authentic smoky caramelization ('wok hei') rather than steaming the ingredients.

Recipe Feedback & Reviews

Have you tried making this recipe? Share your experience, modifications, or tips with fellow cooks!

Please log in to leave feedback on this recipe.

Community Feedback (0)

No feedback yet. Be the first to share how this recipe turned out!