dal recipe

 Yields: 4 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 20-25 minutes

Ingredients:

 * 1 cup toor dal (pigeon peas), rinsed and picked over

 * 4 cups water

 * 1 medium onion, chopped

 * 2 cloves garlic, minced

 * 1-inch piece ginger, grated

 * 1 medium tomato, chopped

 * 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

 * 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

 * 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)

 * 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder

 * 1/4 teaspoon garam masala

 * 1 tablespoon ghee or butter (optional)

 * Fresh cilantro, for garnish

 * Salt to taste

Instructions:

 * Cook Dal:

   * In a pot, combine toor dal with 4 cups of water.

   * Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the dal is tender.

   * Mash some of the dal with a potato masher for a slightly thicker consistency (optional).

 * Sauté:

   * Heat ghee or butter in a separate pan. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.

   * Add chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onion turns translucent.

   * Add chopped tomato and cook until softened.

 * Combine and Simmer:

   * Add the sautéed vegetables to the cooked dal.

   * Stir in turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala.

   * Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld.

 * Season and Serve:

   * Add salt to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice, roti, or naan.

Tips:

 * For a richer flavor: Use ghee instead of butter.

 * Adjust spices: Adjust the amount of spices to your preferred taste.

 * Add-ons: You can add other vegetables like spinach, carrots, or potatoes to the dal while simmering.

 * Creamy Dal: For a creamier dal, blend a portion of the cooked dal in a blender before adding it back to the pot.

Enjoy your delicious and comforting Dal!