How to cook North Indian Home-style, Yellow Moong Dal

Cooking North Indian home-style Yellow Moong Dal is a delightful and comforting experience. Here’s a simple recipe to make this dish:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup yellow moong dal (split and husked)
• 3 cups water
• 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 2-3 green chilies, slit lengthwise
• 1 teaspoon ginger, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dal:
   • Rinse the moong dal under running water until the water runs clear.
   • In a pressure cooker or a pot, add the rinsed moong dal along with water, turmeric powder, and salt.
   • Pressure cook the dal until it is soft and mushy. If cooking in a pot, it may take about 30-40 minutes. If using a pressure cooker, it usually takes about 10-12 minutes after the first whistle on medium heat.
2. Tempering (Tadka):
   • Heat oil in a pan on medium heat. Once hot, add cumin seeds and mustard seeds.
   • When the seeds start to splutter, add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. Add Aromatics:
   • Add chopped ginger, minced garlic, and slit green chilies. Sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
4. Incorporate Spices:
   • Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
   • Add coriander powder and garam masala. Stir well and cook for another minute.
5. Combine Dal with Tempering:
   • Once the dal is cooked, mash it lightly with the back of a spoon to get a creamy consistency.
   • Pour the prepared tempering over the cooked dal and mix well.
6. Adjust Consistency and Seasoning:
   • If the dal is too thick, add a little hot water to adjust the consistency.
   • Check for salt and adjust according to your taste preferences.
7. Simmer:
   • Let the dal simmer for a few minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to blend together.
8. Garnish and Serve:
   • Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
   • Serve hot with rice or Indian bread like chapati or naan.

Enjoy the wholesome flavors of home-cooked North Indian Yellow Moong Dal!