India > Vegetarian > Dal

Dal Bhurta Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup yellow split peas (chana dal)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Special equipment needed: None

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Rinse the chana dal in cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the dal in enough water to cover it for at least 30 minutes.

2. Drain the dal and place it in a large pot with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the dal is tender.

3. In a separate pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until they start to sizzle.

4. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.

5. Add the coriander powder, turmeric powder, and red chili powder to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.

6. Add the cooked dal to the pan and stir to combine. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the dal is heated through.

7. Season with salt to taste and garnish with chopped cilantro.

45-50 minutes
Temperature: N/A
Serving size: 4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 230
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 10g
- Fiber: 10g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Yellow split peas can be substituted with red lentils or mung beans.
- Vegetable oil can be substituted with ghee or coconut oil.
- Cilantro can be substituted with parsley or mint.

Variations:
- Add diced tomatoes to the pan with the onion for a tomato-based dal bhurta.
- Add diced potatoes or carrots to the dal for a heartier dish.
- Use different spices, such as garam masala or curry powder, for a different flavor profile.

Tips and tricks:
- Soaking the dal before cooking can help reduce cooking time and make it easier to digest.
- Use a pressure cooker to cook the dal for even faster results.
- Serve with rice or naan bread for a complete meal.

Storage instructions:
- Leftover dal bhurta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the dal bhurta in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the dal bhurta in a bowl with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top.

Garnishes:
- Fresh cilantro

Pairings:
- Rice or naan bread

Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Raita (yogurt sauce)
- Chutney

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dal is too thick, add more water to thin it out.
- If the dal is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to thicken it up.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to rinse the dal thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris or dirt.

Food history:
- Dal bhurta is a traditional Indian dish that originated in the northern region of India.

Flavor profiles:
- Spicy, savory, and aromatic

Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot as a main dish or side dish.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: Indian

Taste: Spicy, Savory, Tangy, Aromatic