⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 2 servings

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

🍽 Ingredients

• 1 cup Yellow Lentils
• 3 cups Water
• 1 tbsp Ghee or Coconut Oil
• 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 1/2 tsp Coriander Powder
• 1/4 tsp Red Chili Powder
• to taste Salt
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
• for garnish Fresh Cilantro

📖 Instructions

1. First, rinse your lentils thoroughly under cold water. This removes any dust or debris and helps improve the texture of your final dish. I know it seems simple, but trust me, this little step makes a difference!
2. Next, in a medium-sized pot, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee or coconut oil over medium heat. Don't rush this! Let the oil gently warm up; you want to avoid burning it.
3. Now add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds. Sauté them for about 30 seconds, or until they start to splutter and release their aroma. This is what makes this dal smell amazing. It's the magic touch!
4. Add 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1/2 teaspoon of coriander powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of red chili powder (adjust according to your spice preference). Stir well to combine the spices with the ghee and create a fragrant base for your dal. Don't be afraid to experiment here; this is where you can add your own personal touch.
5. Stir in 1 cup of yellow lentils and 3 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil. Make sure you are stirring constantly to avoid sticking or burning of the lentils at the bottom of the pot.
6. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are completely tender and have broken down. You want the consistency to be smooth and creamy. If it seems a little thick, add a little more water.
7. If you're using a blender, carefully transfer the cooked dal to a blender. Blend until smooth. You can leave some lentils whole if you prefer a slightly chunkier texture. If using a blender, be cautious—hot liquids can cause serious burns.
8. Season with salt to taste, and a squeeze of lemon juice. This brightens up the flavor and adds a nice tang. I always add a dash of lemon juice to almost everything, even coffee, it's become a habit!
9. Once the seasoning is done, garnish generously with fresh cilantro. This adds both flavor and a lovely visual appeal. I love the vibrant green against the warm tones of the dal.
10. Serve your delicious, healthy dal hot with steamed rice, roti, or naan bread. Enjoy! I usually pair this with a simple side salad – sometimes life's about keeping things easy, and not getting bogged down with complex recipes.

📝 Notes

• For a smoother dal, blend it after cooking.
• Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your preference.
• Adding a pinch of asafoetida (hing) enhances the flavor.
• This recipe is easily adaptable to any type of lentil, though the cooking time might differ