Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup yellow split peas (toor dal)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 green chilies, chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 4 cups water
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Special Equipment Needed:
- Pressure cooker or a heavy-bottomed pot
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse the yellow split peas in cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a pressure cooker or a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
3. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
4. Add chopped tomatoes, green chilies, ginger paste, and garlic paste. Stir well and cook until the tomatoes are soft and mushy.
5. Add turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a minute.
6. Add the drained yellow split peas and water. Stir well and close the pressure cooker lid or the pot with a lid.
7. Cook for 15-20 minutes in a pressure cooker or 45-50 minutes in a pot until the dal is soft and cooked.
8. Once the dal is cooked, open the pressure cooker lid or the pot and give it a good stir.
9. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot with steamed rice or roti.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes in a pressure cooker or 50 minutes in a pot
Temperature:
- Medium heat
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 10g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Yellow split peas can be substituted with red lentils or chana dal.
- Green chilies can be substituted with red chili flakes or powder.
- Oil can be substituted with ghee or butter.
Variations:
- Add vegetables like spinach, eggplant, or pumpkin to the dal for a more wholesome meal.
- Add a dollop of yogurt or cream to the dal for a creamy texture.
- Add a tempering of fried onions, cumin seeds, and mustard seeds to the dal for extra flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- Soak the yellow split peas for an hour before cooking to reduce the cooking time.
- Adjust the amount of water depending on the desired consistency of the dal.
- Use a hand blender to blend the dal for a smoother texture.
Storage Instructions:
- Store the leftover dal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat the dal in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen it up.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the dal in a bowl with a side of steamed rice or roti.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and a sprinkle of red chili flakes.
Garnishes:
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Red chili flakes
- Fried onions
Pairings:
- Steamed rice
- Roti
- Naan
- Papadum
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Cucumber raita
- Tomato chutney
- Mango pickle
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dal is too thick, add more water and cook for a few more minutes.
- If the dal is too thin, cook for a few more minutes without the lid to evaporate the excess water.
Food Safety Advice:
- Always wash your hands before handling food.
- Make sure the dal is cooked thoroughly before serving.
Food History:
- Dal is a staple food in Bengali cuisine and is often served with rice or roti.
Flavor Profiles:
- The Bengali Style Dal is a flavorful and aromatic dish with a spicy kick from the green chilies and red chili powder.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Bengali Style Dal as a main dish with steamed rice or roti.
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Region: Indian