Dhaba Style Dal Fry

Ingredients

• ½ cup toor dal (for the dal)
• 2 tbsp chana dal (for the dal)
• 2 tbsp masoor dal (for the dal)
• 1 green chilli (for the dal)
• ¼ tsp turmeric (for the dal)
• 1-inch ginger, julienned (for the dal)
• salt (for the dal), to taste
• ~2½ cups water (for the dal)
• 2 tbsp ghee (for the tadka)
• 1 tsp cumin (for the tadka)
• 1 dried red chilli (for the tadka)
• 1 tbsp chopped ginger (for the tadka)
• 1 tbsp chopped garlic (for the tadka)
• 2–3 green chillies (for the tadka)
• 1 onion, chopped (for the tadka)
• 1 tomato, chopped (for the tadka)
• ¼ tsp turmeric (for the tadka)
• ½ tsp Kashmiri chilli powder (for the tadka)
• ½ tsp coriander powder (for the tadka)
• a pinch garam masala (for the tadka)
• ½ tsp amchur (for the tadka)
• a pinch roasted kasuri methi (for the tadka)
• 1 tbsp butter (for the tadka)
• fresh coriander + salt (for the tadka)
• 1 tbsp ghee (final tadka)
• ½ sliced onion (final tadka)
• 1 dried red chilli (final tadka)
• ½ tsp hing (final tadka)
• ½ tsp Kashmiri chilli powder (final tadka)

Steps

1. Wash the dals well and soak 30–60 minutes. Pressure-cook with green chilli, turmeric, ginger, salt and water for 3–4 whistles; let pressure release naturally, then mix the dal well.
2. Heat ghee in a wide pan; add cumin, dried chilli, ginger, garlic and green chillies. Add onion and cook until lightly golden, then the tomato + salt.
3. Add the powdered spices with a splash of water. On high heat, tilt the pan so the flame catches around the sides for the smoky dhaba flavour.
4. Add the cooked dal and bring to a boil. Finish with kasuri methi, amchur, butter and fresh coriander.
5. For the final tadka: heat ghee, brown the sliced onion, add dried red chilli, hing and Kashmiri chilli powder; pour immediately over the dal.
6. Serve piping hot with jeera rice.

The reel

via @relishbysimran

Tips

• Salt the lentils near the end so they soften all the way.
• Pour the hot tadka on at the end, while it still sizzles.
• Too thick? A splash of hot water. Too thin? Simmer it uncovered for a few minutes.

Questions