What Is Moong Dal Recipe

As I was standing in my kitchen with a cup of moong dal in one hand and a fragrant sprinkle of cumin seeds ready to sizzle, I realized that making this dish is like creating a melody from the simplest of notes—humble ingredients that, together, sing of warmth, comfort, and vibrant spice.

Moong dal, a cherished kitchen companion in Indian culture, is a potent source of protein and a digestive delight. I like to cook with it, yielding to its ambrosial essence, rendered by the aromatic spices that must be used when preparing this dish.

“You must use cumin and you must use green chili, or else you will no longer have a dish—and you won’t have a dish worth scratching your taste buds with, that’s for sure!”

What Is Moong Dal Recipe Ingredients

• Moong Dal: High in protein, low in carbs, aids digestion, and versatile.
• Ghee: Rich in healthy fats, enhances flavor, and improves nutrient absorption.
• Cumin Seeds: Adds earthy flavor, aids digestion, and includes antioxidants.
• Ginger: Provides warmth, anti-inflammatory, and promotes digestion.
• Turmeric Powder: Contains curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Lemon Juice: Adds tanginess, rich in Vitamin C, and enhances flavor complexity.
• Coriander Leaves: Freshens, adds color, and is rich in antioxidants.

What Is Moong Dal Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup moong dal (split yellow gram)
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 green chili, chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• Optional: a pinch of asafoetida (hing)

How to Make this What Is Moong Dal Recipe

1. Wash the moong dal thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. Let it steep for about 15-20 minutes and then drain.

2. Combine the washed moong dal and water in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the dal is tender.

3. In another pan, warm the ghee or oil over medium heat. Add the seeds of cumin and let them sizzle until their fragrance is released.

4. Put the chopped onion in the frying pan and sauté until it is golden brown.

5. Add the grated ginger and chopped green chili, and cook for another minute until fragrant.

6. Add the tomato, chopped, and cook until it softens and starts to separate from the mixture with some oil.

7. Mix the turmeric powder well into the milk. Add a pinch (or more) of asafoetida, if you’re using it.

8. Pour the cooked moong dal into the spiced mixture, being careful to keep it contained. Stir well to blend all the flavors in the dish.

9. Season the dal with salt and simmer for another 5 minutes. This will give the ingredients a chance to meld.

10. Conclude with the juice of a lemon and fresh coriander leaves just before you serve it. Relish your tasty, delightful bowl of moong dal!

What Is Moong Dal Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Measuring cups
2. Sieve or fine-mesh strainer
3. Mixing bowl
4. Pot with a lid
5. Stirring spoon
6. Pan or frying pan
7. Knife
8. Chopping board
9. Grater
10. Small bowl (for mixing turmeric powder and milk)
11. Citrus juicer (optional)

FAQ

• What is moong dal?Split yellow gram, known as moong dal, is a kind of lentil that’s widely used in Indian cooking. It’s very popular due to its short cooking time and also because it’s very easily digested.
• Can I use whole moong beans instead of split moong dal?Indeed, whole moong beans demand a longer cooking duration, and it might be necessary to soak them prior to cooking.
• Is it necessary to use ghee, or can I substitute it with oil?If you prefer, you can replace ghee with any cooking oil; both work well in the recipe.
• How can I make the dal spicier?To increase the heat of the dal, you can use more green chilies or select a spicier kind of chili pepper.
• What can I serve moong dal with?Steamed rice, roti, or naan complement well with moong dal and can be a part of a traditional Indian meal.
• How long does moong dal last in the refrigerator?If you store cooked moong dal in an airtight container, it can remain fresh in your refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Is asafoetida essential in this recipe?Asafoetida provides a delicate taste, but if you can’t find it, feel free to leave it out.

What Is Moong Dal Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1 tablespoon of ghee or oil can be replaced with butter or vegetable oil.
Mustard seeds can be used for a different flavor when cumin seeds are replaced in a 1:1 ratio.
1 medium onion can be replaced with shallots or leeks for a milder taste.
Half a teaspoon of chili powder or red pepper flakes can be used to replace one green chili and can yield a similar heat.
2 tablespoons of fresh coriander leaves can be swapped with parsley or mint for a refreshing change.

Pro Tips

1. Toast the Moong Dal: Before washing the moong dal, lightly toast it in a dry pan until it becomes slightly golden and aromatic. This enhances the nutty flavor of the dal.

2. Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated ginger and freshly squeezed lemon juice will give your dish a brighter and more vibrant taste.

3. Adjust Consistency: If you find the dal too thick after cooking, adjust the consistency by adding a bit more hot water. Conversely, if it’s too thin, simmer a bit longer until it thickens to your preference.

4. Enhanced Aroma: For a richer aromatic profile, add a cinnamon stick and a couple of cloves to the tempering stage with cumin seeds.

5. Garnishing Variation: Along with coriander leaves, garnish with fried onions or a sprinkle of garam masala for an added layer of flavor.