Dal Fry

Ingredients

1. Thuvar dal / thuvaraparippu / Arhar dal – 1 cup

2. Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp

Salt – To taste

Oil – 1/2 tsp

Water – As required

3. Ghee / butter / oil – 1 tbsp

Mustard seeds – 1/8 tsp

Cumin seeds – 1/4 tsp

4. Garlic – 10 cloves, finely chopped

5. Onion – 1/2 cup, finely chopped

Green chilies – 2, slit

6. Tomato – 1/2 cup, finely chopped

7. Cilantro – 3 tbsp, finely chopped

7. Fried onion and garlic – To garnish (optional)

9. Lemon juice – 1 – 2 tsp

Method

1. Cook the toor dal adding ingredients numbered 2 until done. Mash slightly with the back of a spoon. Set aside.

2. Heat ghee/ oil in a pan. Splutter mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Fry garlic until lightly golden. Next add chopped onion, little salt, slit green chilies and saute until onion is translucent. Add chopped tomato and saute until it turns mushy and oil starts separating. Add this mixture to the cooked dal and mix well. Cook for a few minutes at medium-low heat and switch off. This dal tends to thicken as it cools so adjust the consistency accordingly. Dal fry has a medium-thick consistency. Garnish with cilantro, fried onion and fried garlic. It goes well with rice and chapathis. Sprinkle lemon/lime juice while serving.

Recipe Courtesy – Girija Pillai