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A plate of yellow daal, rice, kachumber salad and mint raita.
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Best Yellow Daal Recipe

This is best and easiest yellow daal ever. Made with just masoor dal, it is then topped with an easy, but aromatic tempering of spices and garlic. This daal is comfort food at its best!
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian, Pakistani
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 309kcal
Author Wajeeha Nadeem

Ingredients

For the Daal

  • 2 cups masoor daal
  • 4 cups of water (or as needed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Tempering

  • 1/4 cup oil
  • 1 small onion finely sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves thinly sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 green chilli slit in half

Finishing Touches

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

Boil the Masoor Dal

  • Start by placing the red lentils in a bowl, and wash with water 2-3 times. Discard the excess water.
  • Place the daal, water, and spices into a medium-pot. Partially cover with lid, and cook for 30 minutes (occasionally stirring) or until the daal is cooked through, and can easily be mashed with the back of your spoon. See pictures in post for reference.

Prepare the Tempering

  • Heat oil in a small pan, and add the sliced onions.
  • Fry on medium high-heat until the onion is golden brown, then add the garlic and fry it for a few seconds until golden and fragrant.
  • Add the cumin seeds and cook for only 10 seconds, and then add the green chili. Let it blister for a few seconds.
  • Carefully pour over the tadka onto the cooked daal.

Finishing Touches

  • Add the butter, lemon juice and cilantro. Mix well until combined.

Video

Notes

  • Lentils: I only use masoor dal for this recipe, but you can also add a handful of moong dal for extra flavor.
  • Removing the scum: When the dal is boiling, you will see white scum forming on the surface. You can scoop it up and discard if desired.
  • How to Store: Daal can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

Nutrition

Calories: 309kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 0.3mg | Sodium: 431mg | Potassium: 620mg | Fiber: 19g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 80IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 5mg