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Akkha Masoor Dal Recipe

This Akkha Masoor Dal Recipe is not only delicious but also power-packed with a nutritional punch. A warm, comforting bowl of brown lentil curry will become your ultimate comfort food in no time!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 3 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients Equipment Method Video

Ingredients
  

To cook dal
  • 1 cup whole masoor dal (brown lentils)
  • 2 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp oil
  • 1/4 tsp asafoetida (hing powder) optional
Tempering
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 no bay leaf
  • 1 no star anise
  • 1 inch cinnamon stick
  • 1 no dry red chilli optional
  • 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 cup onion puree
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/4 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp cumin-coriander powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp red chili powder
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 tsp sugar
  • salt as needed
  • 1 no slit green chili
  • 1/4 cup coriander leaves chopped

Equipment

  • 1 pressure cooker
  • 1 pan

Method
 

Cooking the Masoor Dal
  1. Wash the masoor dal properly and soak it for atleast half hour. If you have time then soak it for 3-4 hrs or overnight.
    1 cup whole masoor dal
  2. Combine soaked masoor dal with water, turmeric powder, asafoetida powder, and oil.
    2 1/2 cup water, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp oil, 1/4 tsp asafoetida (hing powder)
  3. If cooking in a pressure cooker, cook for 3-4 whistles or until they become soft.
  4. If cooking in an instant pot, cook for 8 minutes on 'high pressure'.
  5. Let the pressure release normally before tempering the dal.
Tempering the Dal
  1. Heat oil in a pan or pot on low flame.
    2 tbsp oil
  2. Add the cinnamon stick, star anise, bay leaf, and dry red chili to the oil. Sauté for few seconds.
    1 no bay leaf, 1 no star anise, 1 inch cinnamon stick, 1 no dry red chilli
  3. Next, add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.
    1 tsp cumin seeds
  4. Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
    2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  5. Add the onion purée to the pan. Cook till the raw smell of onion disappears. Add water and mix well. Cook for another 2 minutes.
    1 cup onion puree, 1/4 cup water
  6. Once the onion is cooked, add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin-coriander powder, and garam masala. Mix everything well and let it cook till oil separates.
    1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp cumin-coriander powder, 1 1/2 tsp red chili powder, 1/4 tsp garam masala
  7. Now, add the cooked masoor dal, salt, and sugar. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes.
    salt, 1/4 tsp sugar
  8. Add slit green chilies and coriander leaves.
    1 no slit green chili, 1/4 cup coriander leaves
  9. Serve it hot with steamed rice or roti.