Dal fry recipe

Preparation Add 1 cup dal to a pot or cooker

Rinse it well a few times until water runs clear

(optional – To cut down the cook time, soak them for 30 minutes and drain the water

) To cook in pressure cooker: Pour 2½ cups water

Pressure cook on a medium heat for 2 to 3 whistles

When the pressure releases, open the lid and mash the dal slightly

To cook in pot: Add dal to a heavy bottom pot and pour 3 cups water & bring it to a boil

Simmer until soft & mushy adding more hot water as needed

How to make dal fry Heat a pan with ghee, oil or butter

Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds and dried red chili

When the spices begin to splutter, add hing

Next add onions and green chilies

Saute until the onions turn golden

Add ginger garlic and saute until the raw smell of ginger garlic goes off

This takes about a minute

Then add tomatoes and salt

Saute on a medium flame until tomatoes turn soft

Add red chili powder, garam masala and turmeric

Saute for 2 mins till the masala begins to smell good & leaves the pan

Add the mashed dal & mix well

Pour more water as needed to bring it to a desired consistency

(watch video) Cook until the dal begins to bubble well

When dal fry reaches the desired consistency, crush kasuri methi in your palms and add it

Taste test and add more salt if needed

Garnish with coriander leaves

Serve dal fry with rice, roti, butter naan or paratha

When the temperature comes down slightly squeeze in some lemon juice

Instant pot dal fry Press the SAUTE button instant pot and pour ghee to the steel insert

When the ghee melts, add the cumin, red chilli & mustard (optional)

As soon as the spices pop, add hing, green chilli & onions

Saute for 2 mins and then fry ginger garlic for 30 seconds

Add in tomatoes and salt

Saute until the tomatoes turn soft and mushy

Stir in red chilli powder, turmeric and garam masala

Add rinsed dal and pour 3 cups water

Press CANCEL button

Mix well and scrape the bottom with the spatula to release any bits of food stuck

Optional – You can also place a long legged trivet and then place your rice bowl and cover

Secure the Instant pot with the lid

Set the steam vent to sealing position

Press the PRESSURE COOK button, high pressure and set the timer to 8 minutes

When the IP beeps wait for the natural release for 10 mins

Mash the dal to suit your liking

Then add kasuri methi and coriander leaves

Taste test and add more salt if needed

If you like thinner consistency you can add little hot water and mix

Sprinkle some lemon juice over the dal fry & serve with rice