Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup Yellow Moong Daal (or your preferred daal like Toor or Masoor Daal)
- 2 tbsp IndianGroceryUK Masala (a mix of cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and chili powder)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 green chili (optional, for spice)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- A pinch of hing (asafoetida)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Daal
Start by washing the daal thoroughly under cold water. In a medium-sized pot or pressure cooker, add the washed daal and 2-3 cups of water. Cook until soft (about 20 minutes in a regular pot or 10 minutes in a pressure cooker). Once done, set aside.
Step 2: Make the Tempering (Tadka)
In a separate pan, heat the oil or ghee over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle. Next, add the finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chili (if using) and sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Masala
Now, it’s time to add your IndianGroceryUK masala blend! Stir in the spices (coriander, cumin, garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder) and cook for 2 minutes. This step will bring out the deep flavors of the masalas, creating a rich and aromatic base.
Step 4: Add Tomato & Cook
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they soften and the oil starts to separate from the masala. This forms the perfect base for your daal.
Step 5: Combine the Daal with the Tadka
Once the tomatoes are cooked, carefully add the cooked daal to the pan. Stir to combine everything and add water to adjust the consistency to your liking (some prefer thicker, some prefer a more soup-like texture). Add salt to taste.
Step 6: Let It Simmer
Allow the daal to simmer for about 5-10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together. You can also add a little more garam masala for extra flavor, if desired.
Step 7: Garnish & Serve
Once the daal is ready, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves for a burst of color and flavor. Serve your delicious masala daal with basmati rice, naan, or roti for the ultimate Indian meal.
Why Use Masalas & Daal from IndianGroceryUK?
The spices and masalas from IndianGroceryUK are carefully selected to bring the true essence of Indian cooking to your kitchen. With their rich, aromatic blends, you can enjoy authentic dishes from the comfort of your own home. Whether you're making a simple daal or an elaborate curry, these spices will elevate your cooking, ensuring every meal is packed with flavor and warmth.
Conclusion:
There’s nothing like the satisfaction of creating an authentic Indian meal using quality ingredients from IndianGroceryUK. This masala daal is a perfect example of how simple daals and masalas can combine to create a dish full of warmth and flavor. The next time you’re looking for comfort food, try this recipe, and let the delicious taste of Indian spices fill your kitchen. Happy cooking!