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Moong Dal

Moong Dal

A simple and comforting everyday Indian lentil dish made with split yellow mung beans and a warm spice tempering.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients
  

Dal
  • 1 cup split yellow moong dal rinsed and drained
  • 3 cups water plus extra if needed
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric none
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
Tempering (Tadka)
  • 2 tablespoons ghee or neutral oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds none
  • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 1 whole green chili slit lengthwise
  • 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida hing
Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves chopped

Equipment

  • 1 Saucepan For boiling the lentils.
  • 1 Small skillet For preparing the spice tempering.

Method
 

  1. Rinse the split yellow moong dal in a bowl with cold water several times until the water runs clear. Drain well.
  2. Transfer the rinsed dal to a saucepan, add 3 cups of water, ground turmeric, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low, partially cover, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until the lentils are completely soft and easily mashed.
  3. Whisk the cooked dal lightly with a spoon to break down the lentils. If the mixture is too thick, stir in a little hot water until you reach a soup-like consistency. Turn off the heat.
  4. In a small skillet, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds. Add the chopped garlic and green chili, cooking until the garlic turns light golden brown. Stir in the asafoetida and immediately remove the pan from the heat.
  5. Pour the hot tempering mixture directly into the cooked dal and stir well. Garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves and serve warm.

Notes

Stir the boiling dal occasionally to prevent the lentils from sticking to the bottom of the pan.