Recipe: Mixed Lentil Daal with Garlic-Chili Tempering
Ingredients: ½ cup split yellow lentils (mung/moong dal) ½ cup split red lentils (masoor dal) 1 tbsp red chili powder (adjust to taste) 1 tbsp salt (adjust to taste) 1½ tsp turmeric powder Fresh coriander, finely chopped (as needed for garnish) ¼ cup cooking oil (for tempering) 8–10 whole green chilies ¼ tsp whole cumin seeds 4–5 garlic cloves, finely chopped Instructions: 1. Cook the Lentils: Thoroughly wash both lentils until the water runs clear. In a medium pot, combine the washed lentils, 4 glasses (about 1 liter) of water, red chili powder, salt, and turmeric. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. 2. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Let the lentils simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until they are completely soft and broken down and the daal has thickened to your preferred consistency. This will take roughly 25–35 minutes. Stir in the freshly chopped coriander once the lentils are cooked. 3. Prepare the Tempering (Tadka): In a small frying pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the whole green chilies and whole cumin seeds. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the finely chopped garlic. Fry, stirring frequently, until the garlic turns golden brown and crisp. Be careful not to burn it. 4. Finish & Serve: Immediately pour the hot tempering oil with all its aromatics over the cooked daal. Stir gently to combine, let it sizzle for a moment, then serve hot with rice or bread.