Growing up, my family would often add a handful of raisins to this dal while simmering it with tamarind and jaggery. The raisins soak up the tangy flavors and add little pops of sweetness, which make the dal extra special. Try it, and watch this dish become a new favorite in your home!

 

Ingredients:

Arhar Dal (Toor Dal) – 1 cup

Tomatoes – 1 cup, finely chopped

Oil – 1 tablespoon

Ghee – 2 tablespoons

Mustard Seeds – 1 tablespoon

Cumin Seeds – 1 tablespoon

Fenugreek Seeds – 1 tablespoon

Coriander Seeds – 1 tablespoon

Red Chilies – 2 to 3

Asafoetida – a pinch

Ginger – 1 teaspoon paste

Green Chili – 1, finely chopped

Jaggery – 1 to 2 tablespoons (or substitute with sugar)

Tamarind Water – 4 tablespoons (or 1 tablespoon lemon juice)

Curry Leaves – 2 sprigs

Salt – to taste

Turmeric – 1 teaspoon

Red Chili Powder – 1 teaspoon

Crushed Peanuts – 2 tablespoons (optional)

 

 

Method:

1.Pressure Cook the Dal:

Wash the arhar dal thoroughly. Cook the dal with salt and enough water in a pressure cooker for 3-4 whistles until soft. Once cooked, mash the dal and set it aside.

2.Prepare the Tempering:

In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil and 2 tablespoons ghee.

Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, coriander seeds, and red chilies. Allow them to splutter and become fragrant.

Add a pinch of asafoetida and curry leaves.

Add turmeric and red chili powder, and stir for a few seconds.

3.Cook the Tomatoes:

Add the finely chopped tomatoes and ginger paste to the tempering.

Cook for 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the oil begins to separate from the mixture.

4.Add the Dal:

Pour the mashed dal into the pan with the tomato mixture.

Stir well and adjust the consistency by adding water if needed.

Add green chilies, more ginger, and adjust the salt to taste.

5.Sweet and Sour Flavoring:

Add jaggery (or sugar) and tamarind water (or lemon juice) to balance the sweet and sour flavors.

Let the dal simmer on low heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6.Garnish:

For an added crunch, sprinkle crushed peanuts over the dal.

Garnish with fresh curry leaves before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)**

Calories: ~220 kcal

Protein: ~8 g

Fat: ~10 g

Carbohydrates: ~26 g

Fiber: ~6 g

 

This dal has a delicious mix of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors, perfect for serving with rice or roti. It’s a comforting, homely dish, ideal for everyday meals!