Dal Fry | Dhaba Style Dal Fry Recipe

March 02, 2015

Dal Fry is another popular Indian dal or lentils recipe. Dal Fry is a popular Indian dish made of red-yellow lentils and tempered with aromatic spices. Fry refers to "tempering" and Dal is "lentils" in Hindi language where the tempering acts like a garnish in this hearty yet very simple. You can also use toor or channa dal to make this dal. But, I personally prefer moong-masoor dal.

Sometimes a simple dish is all it takes, to make me feel warm and cozy. Its like that secure feeling you get while lying down on mom's lap :) It's like home. This simple dish of lentils for me is all that and more. A total comfort food.

Whenever I make this dal fry at home, every single moment - as if my mom is sitting next to me serving it to me :( the way she always used to :) When life carries you away from the comforts of what you knew, you rely on such dishes as refresh your old memories.

If you are looking for more dal recipes then do check
yellow dal tadka

dal makhani
dal amritsari
sambar (toor) dal
dal palak
maa chole di dal

So let's begin the step by step process of dal fry recipe with photos...

Ingredients :

Red Lentils / Masoor dal - 1/2 cup
Yellow Lentils / Moong Dal - 1/2 cup
Finely Chopped Onion - 1 no
Finely Chopped Tomatoes - 1 no
Chopped garlic cloves - 1/2 tsp
Chopped ginger - 1/2 tsp
Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp
Desi Ghee - 2 tbsp for tempering
Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
Coriander Powder - 1/2 tsp
Red chilli powder - 1/4 tsp (according to your taste bud)
Garam Masala powder - 1/4 tsp
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish

Preparation Method :

1. First mix both the dals then Wash the lentils well in running water until the water runs clear. Both Lentils tend to require a little tedious cleaning process. Soak the dals in water for 30-45 minutes.

2. After 35 minutes, when you'll check the soaked dal it becomes soft, changed the color too.

3. For Tempering / Tadka
Step by step process :

(1) Heat desi ghee (or you take oil but Desi-ghee gives you the full desi aroma of dal ) in a saucepan and add jeera, (2) add chopped onions, ginger and garlic, cook it about 2 minutes till onion becomes transparent and soft. (3) Add the chopped tomatoes, (4) salt, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder and saute for another 2 minutes, fry till the tomatoes become soft and mushy, (5) your tadka is ready, as shown in below picture

4. Add the lentils along with 3 cups of water. You can adjust the amount of water once the lentils are cooked depending on the consistency you prefer.

4. Stir and bring to a boil.

Lower the heat, close with a lid and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until cooked, make sure to partially close the lid/ or open cook to allow the steam from escaping. Otherwise it will boil over the pan.

5. Once the lentils are cooked, give them a stir and adjust the amount of water as per your liking. Now check your seasoning, add garam masala and fresh chopped coriander leaves.