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Gluten Free, Indian, Mains, Recipes, Vegan  /  March 7, 2023

Whole Masoor Dal (Indian-Style Brown Lentils)

This whole masoor dal has earned a spot in my comfort meal rotation for life. Whole masoor (brown lentils) are pressure cooked and then mixed with a tempering of aromatics, tomato, and spices. So easy and so nourishing.

Jump to Recipe

I’m in my last few weeks of undergrad and I realized I’ve never done easy college meal videos, or at least I’ve never called it that. Regardless of whether or not I’m taking classes, easy is usually how we roll most days. This whole masoor dal is something I like packing with rice for the middle of the day or coming home to at the end of a long day because dal reminds me of my mom’s food. Prioritizing ease and affordability is important to me, and dal certainly checks the boxes that, but feeding the soul is also a priority.

You can make this whole masoor dal with the spices you have access to. I used coriander, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, and a pinch of hing (asafetida), all of which I brought with me from home so I didn’t have to track them down myself or buy spices in quantities that I may not be able to finish. Highly recommend. This dal comes together in maybe 20 minutes of actual work because all you do is mix your tempering with some pressure cooked lentils. Make it once and have cozy vibes after class for days.

How to Make Whole Masoor Dal

Pressure cook the dal.

You can make this in a pressure cooker, Instant Pot, or stovetop. For Instant Pot, try 15 minutes at high pressure. For stove top, try simmering for 30-40 minutes.

Prepare the aromatics and spices.

Start with cumin seeds, ginger, garlic, green chili, and onions. Once the onions are well cooked, add a tomato and salt.

For the spices, I used a pinch of hing (asafetida), coriander, turmeric, and garam masala.

For serving

I always love dal with basmati rice. Pictured below you’ll also see some baingan bhaja, lightly pan-fried spicy eggplant rounds. To make them, simply mix 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp red chili powder, and 1/2 tsp salt on a plate. Coat each side of 1/2-inch thick eggplant with the spices. Let the eggplant sit for 15 minutes and then pan fry 1-2 tbsp neutral oil until golden on both sides.

Whole Masoor Dal

This whole masoor dal has earned a spot in my comfort meal rotation for life. Whole masoor (brown lentils) are pressure cooked and then mixed with a tempering of aromatics, tomato, and spices. So easy and so nourishing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Cook Time 30 mins
Course Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

cooked lentils

  • 1 cup whole masoor (brown lentils)
  • 3 cups water
  • ¼ tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp salt

whole masoor dal

  • 1 tbsp neutral oil
  • ¾ tsp cumin seeds
  • pinch of hing (asafetida) (optional)
  • 1 inch ginger, minced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 green chili, minced
  • ¼ medium onion, chopped
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • ½ tsp red chili powder
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • ¼ tsp garam masala
  • salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the lentils. Add lentils, water, turmeric, and salt to a pressure cooker and pressure cook on medium heat for about 5 whistles.
    If using an Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. If cooking on the stove, prepare the aromatics/spices first, add the lentils, and then simmer for 30-40 minutes.
  • Heat oil over medium heat in a pan. Once it's hot, add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds to a minute.
  • Then add the chopped ginger, garlic, and green chili. Stir for a couple of minutes. Add onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until onions are light golden brown in color. Stir often.
  • Add in the tomatoes and a big pinch of salt. Cook until the tomatoes mush together in the pan.
  • Add the spices: coriander, red chili powder, turmeric, and garam masala. Stir with the rest of it for 1 minute.
  • Pour the pan's contents into the pressure cooker with the prepared lentils. Adjust with some water and salt if necessary. Serve with rice!
Keyword dal, Indian food, Indian recipes, lentils

For more dal, check out…

Dal tadka

Dal makhani

Tags

  • dal
  • Indian
  • indian food
  • lentils

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2 comments

  • Anisha Chandra
    June 6, 2023

    Whoops, not sure how I missed that! Thanks for letting me know. Just updated it!

  • SAA
    May 30, 2023

    Hey, just noticing that you don’t list the onion or green chili in the ingredients list. Is this intentional?

    In any case, this looks great! Can’t wait to try it 🙂

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

Hi there! I’m Anisha. This is where I like to share my favorite plant-forward eats, with joy and flavor being my topmost priorities. When I'm not cooking or photographing my creations, I'm probably running, tuning into a good podcast or book, or doing typical college student stuff. I hope you find something that excites you here!

@upbeetanisha

A few wonderful things I ate at home with my paren A few wonderful things I ate at home with my parents last week!

matar (peas) kachoris with this aloo (potato) sabzi and bhindi (okra)

our fav jackfruit biryani

mushroom matar korma, sarson ka saag (mustard greens), chole, laccha parathas that deserved a close up

makki (corn) ki roti with the same sarson ka saag

dal makhani and a potato scallion sabzi

dessert at this Cambodian place in downtown San Jose (@angkorchef) - jackfruit coconut sticky rice

#indianfood #veganindianfood #homecooking
Good things my window saw lately Soba noodles in Good things my window saw lately

Soba noodles in a shiitake kombu broth that I like to make a lot of and use in different ways for a few days 

Miso mushroom focaccia 

Carrot cake oatmeal for warm winter breakfast 

Chana masala-ish with roasted brussels and cabbage

Khichdi, the ultimate comfort 

My bday cake! Chocolate sweet potato cake from @thekoreanvegan, with orange cream cheese frosting 

Ramen, once again with the broth 

Black bean soyrizo bowl 

Looks like a peanut gochujang stir fry 👍

Rajma rice with baingan (eggplant) bhaja <3

#homecooking #veganfoodshare #plantbasedfood
An epic vegan breakfast sandwich brought to me by An epic vegan breakfast sandwich brought to me by my @toogoodtogo.usa surprise bag at @kitchenmousela! You can use the Too Good To Go app to find restaurants, bakeries, and more near you that offer “surprise bags” of items that may otherwise be wasted at the cost of at least half the price or less. It’s a great way to prevent food waste, get creative with what you get, and try some new spots in your community! I will be revisiting kitchenmouse as well as using the Too Good To Go app to find more gems in my area. Use ANISHA for $5 off your first bag :) #MyTooGoodToGoMoment #ad 

Ok now for the bagel details:
Oyster mushroom ‘bacon’
- 8 oz. oyster mushrooms 
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari 
- 1/2 tbsp maple syrup 
- 1 tsp liquid smoke 
- 1 tsp smoked paprika 

In a pan over medium-high heat, place the oyster mushrooms. Now place a heavy object or another pan on top and apply pressure for a few minutes. Flip and repeat on the other side! Then reduce heat and pour the glaze. 

Silken tofu scramble 
- olive oil 
- 1 350g package silken tofu 
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric 
- 1 tsp kala namak/black salt (I didn’t have it in this video but would recommend for a more “eggy” flavor! If not use regular salt)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper 

Add a little oil to a pan over medium heat. Add the tofu and break it down for a few minutes. Add the rest of the ingredients, combine for a few minutes, and adjust to taste!
A perfect little day spent using my talents (walki A perfect little day spent using my talents (walking around and eating) in Brooklyn

A&A 
@passionfruit.coffee 
@tofubox.brooklyn 

#nyceats #veganfoodshare #nycvegan #brooklyneats #trinifood #plantbasedfood
Butternut tikka mac!! I wanted to make this for Th Butternut tikka mac!! I wanted to make this for Thanksgiving last year but didn’t get a chance to and figured that it would also be great in winter. And it would also be great without the butternut squash if you just want a basic tikka mac. You make a tikka masala sauce and blend that with the squash, cashews, and plenty of nutritional yeast.

butternut tikka mac
1/3 cup cashews, quick soaked
1 butternut squash, cubed
1 tbsp olive oil
1 red onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 inch ginger, grated
3 medium roma tomatoes, chopped or quartered (sub 1 cup of crushed tomatoes)
1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp red chili powder
1 tsp kashmiri chili powder
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp garam masala
1 tsp kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
1 tbsp nutritional yeast
8 oz. rigatoni or another thick pasta shape of choice, prepared al dente

topping
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp nutritional yeast
1/2 tsp kashmiri chili powder

1. Soak cashews in hot water for at least 15 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 400 F. Bake butternut squash for ~ 25-30 min with a touch of olive oil and salt. Until tender and soft. (I ended up baking an entire squash but using half of it in the sauce since it was large.)
3. Add olive oil to a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 4-5 minutes. Add ginger and garlic. Cook for a few more minutes. Add tomatoes and a big pinch of salt. Allow the tomato juices to mostly evaporate.
4. Add the spices and kasoori methi. and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove pan from heat and allow to cool down slightly before blending.
5. Preheat oven to 350 F.
6. Make the panko topping. Add a tsp or so of olive oil to a small pan. Add the panko, black pepper, nutritional yeast, and chili powder. Toast until the panko is golden-brown. 
7. Process the tomato mixture with cashews, half the butternut squash, nutritional yeast, and about a cup of water. Add more water if needed. Process until it’s thick and creamy.
8. In a baking dish, add the pasta, sauce, and breadcrumbs. Bake for 15 min at 350 F!

#veganrecipes #veganuary #indianfusion #fusionfood #plantbased
Shredded tofu quesadillas coming in HOT for nation Shredded tofu quesadillas coming in HOT for national hot sauce day! These are stuffed with crispy shredded tofu and brussels sprouts, and flavored with @tabanero scotch bonnet hot sauce for a fun Caribbean twist. #tabanero #hotsauce #nationalhotsauceday

the recipe
baked shredded tofu
1 14 oz. block of extra firm tofu (pressed for at least 30 minutes to remove any excess liquid)
1 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp kosher salt or to taste

Preheat oven to 400 F. Shred tofu with a box grater. Toss with the rest of the ingredients. Bake for 15 minutes. Toss and bake for another 5 minutes or so. It should be golden brown and crisp.

the filling
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, thinly sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp grated ginger
8-10 medium brussels sprouts, thinly sliced (or other greens like cabbage, kale, or collard greens)
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
3 tbsp @tabanero scotch bonnet hot sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
salt to taste
vegan cheese and avocado for quesadillas

- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook for about 5 minutes minutes, until it starts becoming translucent. Add ginger and garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Add brussels sprouts and cook until softer, about 5 minutes. Then add the tofu.
- Add all spices: cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Combine well for a minute.
- Now add the hot sauce and soy sauce. Combine well, taste, and adjust to your preference if needed!
- To assemble a quesadilla: take a large tortilla and pile on vegan cheese, the filling, and some more hot sauce. Cook on a pan with a little oil for a few minutes on each side until crisp on both sides! 

#veganuary #plantbasedrecipes #veganlunch #tofurecipes
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