Prepare to transport your taste buds to the lush, coconut-laden coastlines of Kerala with this soul-warming Masoor Dal recipe that promises to revolutionize your home cooking! Imagine a dish so rich, creamy, and bursting with authentic South Indian flavors that it will make you feel like you've been whisked away to a tropical paradise with just one spoonful. This isn't just another lentil recipe - it's a culinary journey that combines the earthy richness of red lentils with the luxurious creaminess of fresh coconut, creating a meal that's both comforting and exotic.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Keralan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup masoor dal
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated coconut
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the masoor dal thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed masoor dal with 2½ cups of water. Add turmeric powder and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer the dal for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are soft and fully cooked.
- While the dal is cooking, heat coconut oil in a separate pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter and crackle for about 30 seconds.
- Add chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they turn translucent and light golden brown.
- Incorporate chopped tomatoes and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they become soft and slightly mushy.
- Once the dal is cooked, add the onion-tomato mixture to the lentils. Stir in grated coconut and salt to taste.
- Simmer the dal for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or Kerala-style parotta for an authentic Keralan meal experience.
Tips
- Always rinse your masoor dal thoroughly to remove excess starch and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
- Use fresh coconut if possible - it makes a world of difference in flavor authenticity.
- Let the mustard seeds splutter properly in hot oil to release their full aromatic potential.
- Keep the heat low while simmering to prevent the lentils from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- For an extra layer of flavor, try tempering the dal with curry leaves or adding a pinch of red chili powder.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture, as the dal tends to thicken as it cools.
- This dish pairs perfectly with steamed basmati rice or traditional Kerala parotta for a complete meal experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 0mg
