Best Methi Dal Recipe: Kids-Friendly Fenugreek Lentil Dish

Methi Dal, or fenugreek lentil dal, is a comforting and flavorful staple in Indian cuisine. Its earthy aroma and slightly bitter taste, balanced by warming spices, create a dish that's both nutritious and delicious. This humble lentil dish is incredibly versatile, adaptable to different spice profiles and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Whether you prefer a simple, quick preparation or a richer, more complex flavor profile, Methi Dal offers a satisfying and wholesome meal for the whole family. It's particularly appealing to children thanks to its creamy texture and mild spice level (easily adjustable!).

This recipe focuses on creating a kid-friendly Methi Dal that’s both flavorful and easy to make. We'll guide you through a simple, step-by-step process, ensuring a perfectly cooked and deliciously spiced Methi Dal that even picky eaters will love. So, let's get started and learn how to make this beloved Indian dish!

Tools Needed

  • Pressure cooker
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Ingredients

  • Tur Dal: 1 cup
  • Water: 3.5 cups
  • Fenugreek (fresh)
  • Tamarind
  • Green Chilies: 4-5
  • Oil: 1 tablespoon
  • Mustard Seeds: 1 teaspoon
  • Cumin Seeds: 0.5 teaspoon
  • Red Chili Powder
  • Asafoetida
  • Turmeric Powder
  • Salt
  • Kashmiri Red Chili (optional)
  • Coriander Leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients and Cook the Dal

  • Wash tur dal twice and soak it with 3.5 cups of water.
  • Cook the soaked dal in a pressure cooker until 3 whistles.
  • Soak tamarind in water.
  • Clean and chop fenugreek, removing the thick stem.
Cook the soaked dal in a pressure cooker until 3 whistles.Soak tamarind in water.Clean and chop fenugreek, removing the thick stem.
Prepare the Ingredients and Cook the Dal
  • Chop 4-5 green chilies.
  • Turn off the gas after 3 whistles and keep the cooked dal aside.
Prepare the Ingredients and Cook the Dal

Step 2. Sauté Spices and Aromatics

  • Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, red chili powder, asafoetida, turmeric powder, and chopped fenugreek. Cook until fragrant.
  • Add salt to taste.
Sauté Spices and Aromatics

Step 3. Combine and Simmer

  • Add tamarind juice to the cooked fenugreek.
  • Transfer the cooked dal into the pan with the cooked fenugreek.
  • Add green and red chilies (Kashmiri chili for color).
  • Add water if the consistency is too thick.
Add tamarind juice to the cooked fenugreek.Transfer the cooked dal into the pan with the cooked fenugreek.Add green and red chilies (Kashmiri chili for color).Add water if the consistency is too thick.
Combine and Simmer

Step 4. Finish and Garnish

  • Cook for 1 minute. Add chopped coriander leaves.
Cook for 1 minute. Add chopped coriander leaves.
Finish and Garnish

Read more: Easy Beef Stew Recipe: Delicious & Simple Indian-Spiced Stew

Tips

  • Mindful cooking is key. Focus on the food while preparing it.
  • Methi Dal is best enjoyed during winter when fenugreek is fresh and flavorful.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use red lentils instead of yellow lentils?

Yes, red lentils cook faster and will result in a smoother, creamier dal. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

2. My child doesn't like the slightly bitter taste of fenugreek. How can I reduce it?

Soak the fenugreek leaves in water for 15-20 minutes before adding them to the dal. This helps to lessen the bitterness.

3. How can I make this dal spicier for adults?

Add a pinch of red chili powder or a small green chili, finely chopped, along with the other spices. You can also increase the amount of ginger and garlic.


This simple yet flavorful Methi Dal recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings alike. Enjoy the satisfying taste and wholesome goodness of this classic Indian dish, knowing you’ve created a healthy and delicious meal your kids will love. So go ahead, give it a try, and experience the magic of homemade Methi Dal!