Basic Tempering For Dals Recipe

Ingredients for Basic Tempering For Dals

• Beans
• 3 cups water (adjust based on pulse type)
• Turmeric
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• Gingerroot
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Clarified Butter
• Cilantro
• Cumin Seed
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• Coriander Powder
• Mango Powder
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Coriander Seeds
• 1 medium onion, chopped (optional)
• Tomatoes
• Green Chili
• Asafoetida Powder
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• Dried Red Chilies
• A few curry leaves

How to Make Basic Tempering For Dals

1. Wash the pulses thoroughly.
2. Soak whole pulses overnight or in boiling water for 20 minutes. Soak split pulses in cold water for 30 minutes.
3. Use the soaking water for cooking. Add pulses to a pot, along with 3 cups of water.
4. Add salt, turmeric powder, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Add chopped onion and tomato if using.
5. Add optional vegetables like spinach, pumpkin, or other beans.
6. Add 1 tbsp oil or ghee to prevent frothing and speed up cooking.
7. Pressure cook for 1 whistle, then reduce heat. Cook split pulses for 1-7 minutes and whole pulses for 30-45 minutes.
8. For stovetop cooking, simmer until tender (approx 45-70 mins).
9. Once cooked, allow steam to escape before blending (optional, for a smoother dal).
10. For the tomato-onion tempering (baghar): Heat oil/ghee in a small pan.
11. Reduce heat, add cumin seeds, and cook until golden brown.
12. Add chopped onion and cook until browned, stirring frequently.
13. Add chopped tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes. Stir in coriander, raw mango powder (or lime juice), and garam masala. Cook for 30 seconds.
14. Remove from heat. Stir in green chilies and red chili powder.
15. For the asafoetida-mustard tempering: Heat oil, add asafoetida and fry until fragrant (do not burn). Add mustard seeds and fry until they crackle. Remove from heat and add red chilies and curry leaves.
16. Pour the chosen tempering over the hot dal and mix gently.
17. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot.
18. Enjoy your delicious and customizable dal! Experiment with different pulses, vegetables, and spices to create your own unique variations.