Go Back
+ servings
Close-up view of Rajasthani yellow dal lentils stew served in earthen bowl.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Yellow Dal Recipe

This wholesome Yellow Dal recipe is a simple, easy to make, and protein rich Indian dish made from a combination of split yellow lentils - moong dal and toor dal. A comforting lentils stew perfect for busy days or weeknights, when you want to eat something hearty, healthy and delicious!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Servings: 6
Calories: 170kcal
Author: Farrukh Aziz

Ingredients

  • ½ cup Yellow Moong Dal split petite yellow lentils
  • ½ cup Toor Dal split pigeon peas/arhar/tuvar dal
  • 1 Green Chili chopped
  • ¾ teaspoon Salt
  • cups Water
  • 2-3 teaspoons Lemon Juice

For Tadka

  • 2 tablespoons Ghee or vegetable oil for vegan
  • 1 teaspoon Mustard Seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Ginger grated
  • ¼ teaspoon Asafoetida hing
  • 4 Dried Red Chilies
  • 1-2 Green Chilies slit
  • 1 teaspoon Kasuri Methi dried fenugreek
  • ½ teaspoon Red Chilli Powder

Instructions

  • Clean and wash both the yellow dals 3-4 times. Add enough water and soak the dals together for 30 minutes. Add both the dals to the pressure cooker along with green chilies, turmeric, salt and 3½ cups water.
  • Close the lid and pressure cook the dals for 5-6 whistles on medium heat or until they are softened. Let pressure release naturally.
  • Open the pressure cooker and check, if the dal is too thick then you can add more water as per the consistency you require.
  • Switch on the heat and bring the dal to a boil.
  • Meanwhile, we will prepare the tadka (tempering). Heat the ghee in a small pan, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds and allow it to crackle.
  • Add ginger and fry for 30 seconds. Then, add slit green chilies, dried red chilies, hing and fry for 15 seconds.
  • Now, add kasuri methi , mix and switch off the heat. Immediately add red chili powder, mix and add the tempering to the boiling dal.
  • Add lemon juice and simmer the dal for another 2-3 minutes.
  • Dish out and garnish it with green coriander leaves.
  • Serve hot with steamed rice, pickle, papad and salad on side.

Notes

  • I usually prefer to soak the dals for 20-30 minutes. This will reduce the cooking time. However, feel free to skip this step totally.
  • Feel free to adapt the spices and herbs as per your taste buds.
  • Cook the lentils until they are soft and mushy. Add less or more water as per the consistency of the dal you like.
  • Pure ghee makes it the most flavourful, so I highly recommend using ghee only. But, if want to make this recipe vegan, then, you can stick to oil.

Nutrition

Calories: 170kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 368mg | Potassium: 136mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 377IU | Vitamin C: 55mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 2mg