Toor dal (split pigeon peas) is one of the most popular Indian dals to serve at home. It is typically a more healthy and “rustic” dish, and one that evokes the feelings of the comforts of home. This specific recipe was handed down from HANAH employee Meghna Agarwal's grandmother- a recipe that has always comforted her with warmth and love.
Ingredients
- 2 cups split pigeon pea soaked for at least 2 hours (but overnight is better)
- 2-3 chopped medium tomatoes
- 2 small chopped onions
- 3 tablespoons HANAH Vechur Ghee (clarified butter)
- 2 tablespoon cumin seeds
- 2 dried whole chilies broken into pieces
- 2 inch piece dried tamarind
- 4-5 cloves of chopped garlic
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- A pinch of heeng (Asfoetida)
- Salt for boiling
- Whole chiles
- Cilantro to garnish
- Bread or pita for a side
Directions
- Soak the lentils in water for at least 2 hours. Drain.
- Take a heavy pot and add the lentils with 6 cups water.
- Add salt, turmeric and tamarind. Bring all to a boil.
- Lower the heat to medium and cook covered for 45 - 60 minutes (you can cook it in a pressure cooker as well).
- Once it's soft and mushy, lower the burner to simmer.
- Heat ghee in a small pan.
- Once very hot add the cumin, heeng and dry chilies. Be careful as it may splatter.
- Add chopped garlic. Let it change color to red and add the onions.
- Cook the onions until light brown.
- Add tomatoes.
- When the tomatoes are soft, add the mixture to the lentils.
- Serve hot! Garnish with cilantro.
Photo taken by the lovely Cook with Manali. Check her out on Instagram here.
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Recipe by Meghna Agarwal, HANAH employee, Ayurvedic chef and mother