Green pea dal, or matar ki dal, is a beloved Indian lentil dish known for its vibrant green color and subtly sweet flavor. This comforting and nutritious meal is surprisingly easy to make, even for novice cooks. Whether you're a seasoned Indian food enthusiast or simply looking for a delicious and healthy weeknight dinner, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. Its creamy texture and mild taste make it a versatile dish, perfect for pairing with rice, roti, or naan. The subtle sweetness of the peas is perfectly balanced by aromatic spices, creating a harmonious and satisfying flavor profile.
This recipe offers a restaurant-style green pea dal, achieved with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques. We'll guide you through each step, ensuring you create a perfectly creamy and flavorful dal every time. Ready to embark on this culinary journey? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- Blender/grinder
- Cooker
- Sieve
Ingredients
- Green peas
- Mustard oil
- Cumin seeds: a pinch
- Red chili powder: a pinch
- Onions: 3-4
- Cloves
- Cardamom
- Cinnamon
- Berries
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Coriander powder: 1 spoon
- Turmeric powder
- Tomatoes
- Salt: to taste
- Water
- Kashmiri red chili
- Garam masala: 1 spoon
- Coriander leaves
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Aromatics
- Peel and grind the green peas.
- Grind cumin seeds, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and berries in a sieve.
- 2 spoons of red chili powder, 1 spoon of coriander powder, and turmeric powder.
Step 2. Sauté and Spice
- Heat the cooker, add mustard oil, cumin seeds, and red chili powder.
- Add chopped onions and stir well.
- Add the spice mixture, tomato slices, and salt to the cooker.
- Add the ground green peas and fry for 10 minutes, then cover for 2 minutes.
- Add another bowl of peas and fry for 5 minutes.
Step 3. Simmer and Finish
- Add hot water, Kashmiri red chili, and garam masala. Cook until it whistles once.
Step 4. Garnish and Serve
- Turn off the heat. Garnish with coriander leaves.
Read more: Spicy Tava Pulao Recipe: Easy Indian Rice Dish
Tips
- Try grinding the peas my way for the best results.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 250-350
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbs: 40-50g
- Protein: 15-20g
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen green peas instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen peas work perfectly well. Just add them directly to the pot without thawing.
2. My dal is too thick/thin. How can I adjust it?
For a thinner dal, add more water while simmering. For a thicker dal, simmer uncovered for a longer time to reduce the liquid.
This Restaurant Style Green Pea Dal is a testament to the fact that delicious, authentic Indian food doesn't require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying dish as a comforting meal or a vibrant addition to your next dinner party. Now go forth and create your own culinary masterpiece!