Arhar Malka Dal Fry (Yellow Split Pigeon Peas and Pink Lentil Curry) - Vegan Indian Recipe

 

Dal fry is an Indian lentil recipe which can make even the most boring lentils so flavorful and tasty. It is made with Arhar Dal (Toor Dal ), also called yellow split pigeon peas and various variation also include the Malka dal. We are going to use both the lentils in this recipe because why not ?! This recipe is a home made style recipe which can be made as a soupy mix or as a thick gravy according to your preferred consistency. We like  to find a balance between them. It is a good option for lunch and dinner as well.

Preparation Time : 15 minutes 

Cooking Time : 20 minutes

Serving : 3-4

INGREDIENTS

 4 tablespoon oil

1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

A pinch of asafoetida (hing) 

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (haldi)

1/2 teaspoon coriander powder (dhaniya)

1/2 teaspoon red chilly powder

1/4 teaspoon garam masala

2-3 whole red chillies

1.25 cups of Arhar and Malka dal (Split Pigeon Peas, Pink Lentil)

8-10 cloves of garlic

1/2 inch of ginger

1 medium sized onion

2 tomatoes

Salt to taste

3 cups of water

RECIPE

1. Wash Arhar and Malkan dal 3-4 times and prepare them by soaking in water for about 15 minutes. The dal will increase in size and will make it softer and easier to cook.

2. After soaking the dal, put it in a pressure cooker and pour 3 cups of water and let it cook for 1 whistle.

3. Take onion, tomato and finely chop them. Peel the outer cover of garlic cloves and ginger and finely grate them. You can find a grater here. Keep them aside.

4. Take a pan and add oil. When oil gets heated up, sprinkle cumin seeds and when it stars spluttering, add a pinch of asafoetida. Add some whole red chillies at this stage and let them fry. I forgot to add them so I lightly fried them separately and added it later in step 6.

 5. Now, add grated garlic and garlic. Saute it till it turns slight golden in color.

6. Now, add finely chopped onion and saute till it turns transparent and light brown in color. I added whole red chillies which I fried separately since I forgot to add them in step 4.

 

 

 

7. Now, add red chilly powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder and garam masala. Saute them for 30 seconds.

 

8. Add finely chopped tomato. Add salt to taste. This will also help the tomatoes to cook faster. Mix them well. Cook them for 5-6 minutes. You can add few drops of water if the mixture starts sticking to the base of the pan.

9. Now, add boiled mixture of arhar and malka dal to the pan along with the water. You can add more water at this stage if you want the consistency to be thinner. We like it between a thick gravy and soupy mix. You can sprinkle some more garam masala on top. Mix it well. Let it simmer for 4-5 minutes.

10. Your Arhar Malka Dal Fry is ready to serve ! Serve it hot with rice or chapatti.

 

This is a vegan friendly Indian recipe which is lightly spiced and make for a very good lunch or dinner option. It is best served hot with steamed rice, wheat chapatti or naan ! I would love to know yours thoughts about the recipe and how it turned out for you !