Indian Cookery Lessons

Dal Masala

This is a popular way of cooking lentils in India. Cooked in various spices, it yields a very nutritious and tasty dish.

Serves 6:

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

Method:

Wash dal in water until water runs clear. Boil the dal in a pan for 20 minutes (or in a pressure cooker for 10 minutes)
until it is soft and tender.

Heat butter in a saucepan. Add onions, garlic and green chillies. Stirring frequently, fry for 5-8 minutes until the
mixture turns to a pale golden colour.

Add 2 teaspoon ginger paste, 1 teaspoon chilli powder, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 teaspoon coriander powder and 1
teaspoon salt. Keep frying until the oil begins to separate.

Add the boiled dal and mix well. Reduce heat, cover and cook for about 5 minutes. If the dal becomes too dry, add ½
- 1 cup of warm water.

Add ½ teaspoon garam masala and coriander. Serve with Naan, Roti or plain boiled rice.

Variation:

Use chana dal, urad dal, toor dal or any other dal as a substitute of orange lentils. Add tomato, small pieces of diced

vegetables for a slightly different taste.

Tips:

Dal has to be cooked until very tender to get the best taste. Use a whisk to blend it slightly before adding spices to it!

Be extra careful when cooking dal as it often erupts like a volcano when stirred hot!