Red Lentils with Onion | Masoor Dal

Dal is a lentil-based dish commonly eaten in India as a part of a more complex meal. This version is an aromatic red lentil dish, flavored by turmeric, cumin, and chili peppers. You can use other varieties of lentils if red lentils are hard to find at your store.

Makes

6 Servings

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup dried red lentils
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 5 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 2 chili peppers
• 1/2 onion, large chopped

Directions

1. Wash hands with soap and water.
2. Rinse the lentils in a strainer under running water two to three times.
3. In a bowl, combine the washed lentils, 1 teaspoon oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
4. Boil lentils in 1 1/2 cups water until they turn yellow and soft. Add turmeric powder, cumin powder, and sugar to the boiled lentils and mix them well.
5. In a separate pan, add rest of the oil and allow it to heat.
6. Split the chili peppers in half and add to the heated oil.
7. Add onion to the oil and stir until it starts to turn light brown.
8. Add 2 tablespoons boiled lentils (mixed with spices) into the fried onion and stir well for 1 minute.
9. Add the rest of the boiled lentil mix and stir.
10. Add 1 cup of water and allow it to boil for two minutes. Serve over white rice. Add parsley garnish if desired.

Notes

This is a very common food item in Bengali as well as in Pakistani and Indian communities. Generally, lunch or dinner is started with this item followed by two to three main courses. On special occasions, or when preparing this for someone special, one may garnish it with coconut flakes or cilantro leaves. Learn more about: Onions