Moong Dal Recipe with Tempering Recipe

Introduction

Moong Dal is a simple and comforting Indian lentil dish made with split yellow moong dal and aromatic spices. It’s nutritious, easy to prepare, and perfect as a wholesome side or light meal.

A white bowl filled with thick yellow lentil soup showing small red dried chilies and mustard seeds floating on top, along with some green curry leaves. The texture is creamy with some visible mustard seeds and lentils, and the soup looks warm and rich. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • ½ cup Split Yellow Moong Dal
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tbsp Ghee
  • 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
  • 1 tsp Split Urad Dal
  • 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
  • 2 Dry Red Chillies (cut into small pieces)
  • 2 Sprigs Curry Leaves
  • ⅛ tsp Asafoetida
  • 1 tsp Turmeric Powder

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Wash the moong dal thoroughly and place it in a saucepan. Add 1.5 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the dal is soft and cooked through.
  2. Step 2: In a separate pan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds, split urad dal, curry leaves, dry red chillies, and asafoetida. Let them sizzle and fry for a minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in the turmeric powder and mix well. Pour this tempering mixture over the cooked dal and combine thoroughly. Add salt to taste and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

  • If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more water while cooking the dal.
  • You can substitute ghee with oil, but ghee adds a richer flavor.
  • For extra flavor, add chopped ginger or garlic to the tempering.
  • Serve with steamed rice or Indian flatbreads for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover moong dal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it has thickened.

How to Serve

This image shows a close-up of a thick yellow lentil soup served in a white bowl. The soup has a smooth texture with small bits of lentils, and it is topped with dry red chili peppers, black mustard seeds, and fresh green curry leaves, which add depth and color contrast. The yellow lentil base is warm and creamy, with visible specks of spices and herbs floating on the surface. The bowl is placed on a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a pressure cooker instead of simmering the dal?

Yes, cooking the moong dal in a pressure cooker will reduce the cooking time to about 5-7 minutes on medium heat.

What can I serve with moong dal?

Moong dal pairs well with steamed rice, chapati, or naan. It also goes nicely with vegetable side dishes or yogurt.

Print

Moong Dal Recipe with Tempering Recipe

A comforting and traditional Indian lentil dish made with split yellow moong dal, tempered with aromatic spices and herbs. This simple yet flavorful dal is perfect as a nutritious side or a light main dish, offering a delightful balance of protein and subtle spice.

  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dal Ingredients

  • ½ cup Split Yellow Moong Dal
  • Salt to taste
  • 1.5 cups Water

Tempering Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp Ghee
  • 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
  • 1 tsp Split Urad Dal
  • 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
  • 2 Dry Red Chillies, cut into small pieces
  • 2 Sprigs Curry Leaves
  • ⅛ tsp Asafoetida (Hing)
  • 1 tsp Turmeric Powder

Instructions

  1. Cook the Moong Dal: Wash the split yellow moong dal thoroughly and place it in a saucepan. Add 1.5 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the dal is soft and fully cooked.
  2. Prepare the Tempering: In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee. Add mustard seeds, split urad dal, curry leaves, dry red chillies, and asafoetida. Let them sizzle and release their flavors. Then stir in turmeric powder and mix well.
  3. Combine and Season: Pour the cooked moong dal into the tempering mixture and stir thoroughly to combine all the flavors. Add salt to taste and mix well. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Adjust water quantity as needed to get the consistency of dal you prefer; thicker for a stew-like texture or thinner for a soup-like consistency.
  • For a vegan version, substitute ghee with oil.
  • You can add finely chopped tomatoes or green chillies for extra flavor if desired.
  • This dish pairs well with rice or Indian flatbreads like roti or chapati.

Keywords: Moong Dal, Yellow Lentils, Indian Dal Recipe, Tempered Dal, Easy Indian Lentils, Vegetarian Indian Recipe

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