Dhaba Style Dal Fry in Ghee

Ingredients:

For the Dal:

• 1 cup toor dal (yellow split lentils)
• 1/4 cup chana dal (split Bengal gram)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2-3 green chilies, chopped
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chilli powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2-3 dried red chilies
• 2 tablespoons mustard oil
• 2 tablespoons desi ghee
• Salt to taste
• Chopped fresh coriander leaves for garnish

For Tadka (Tempering):

• 2 tablespoons desi ghee
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
• 1-2 dried red chilies
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala

Instructions:

• Wash and Soak the Lentils: Rinse all the lentils thoroughly until the water runs clear. Then, soak them in enough water for about 30 minutes.
• Pressure Cook the Lentils: Drain the soaked lentils and add them to a pressure cooker. Add 3 cups of water, turmeric powder, chopped tomatoes, green chilies, grated ginger, minced garlic, and salt. Pressure cook for 3-4 whistles or until the lentils are soft and mushy.
• Prepare the Dal Fry: In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of mustard oil. Reduce the heat to low, add cumin seeds, dried red chilies, and onions. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown.
• Add Spices: Add red chili powder and cook for a minute. Be careful not to burn the spices.
• Combine Dal with Tempering: Pour the cooked lentils into the pan with the onion-spice mixture. Stir well and let it simmer for about 10 minutes on low heat. Adjust the consistency with water if needed.
• Prepare the Tadka: In a separate small pan, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee. Add cumin seeds, dried red chilies, and asafoetida (hing). Let them sizzle for a few seconds.
• Finish the Dish: Pour this tempering (tadka) over the simmering dal. Add garam masala and ghee to the dal. Stir well and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
• Garnish and Serve: Garnish the Dhaba-style Dal Fry with chopped fresh coriander leaves.
• Serve: Serve hot with steamed rice or Indian bread like naan or roti.

Enjoy your delicious Dhaba-style Dal Fry!