Masoor Dal Recipe – Authentic Indian Red Lentil & Coconut Snack

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Masoor Dal Recipe – Authentic Indian Red Lentil & Coconut Snack

Hey everyone! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s close to my heart – Masoor Dal. It’s a simple, comforting dish that’s been a part of Indian kitchens for generations. I remember my grandmother making this for special occasions, and the aroma always filled the house with warmth. It’s more than just a snack; it’s a little piece of home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Masoor Dal recipe is incredibly easy to make, ready in under 30 minutes, and packed with flavour. It’s a wonderfully nutritious snack or a humble offering during prayer. The combination of earthy lentils, fragrant spices, and fresh coconut is just divine. Plus, it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this deliciousness:

• ½ cup whole masoor dal (approx. 100g)
• 2 cups water (480ml)
• ¼ cup fresh coconut, grated (approx. 30g)
• Salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon oil (approx. 5ml)
• ½ teaspoon mustard seeds (approx. 2g)
• ¼ teaspoon urad dal (split black lentils, approx. 1.5g)
• Small sprig of curry leaves (approx. 8-10 leaves)
• Pinch of hing (asafoetida)
• 1 red chilli, whole (or broken for more spice)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips from my kitchen to yours:

• Masoor Dal: Understanding This Ancient Lentil. Masoor dal, or red lentils, are a fantastic source of protein and fibre. They cook relatively quickly compared to other lentils, making them perfect for a quick meal.
• The Significance of Hing (Asafoetida) in Indian Cooking: Don’t skip the hing! It adds a unique, savoury flavour that’s essential in many Indian dishes. It also aids digestion. A little goes a long way, so just a pinch is perfect.
• Regional Variations in Tempering Spices: Tempering spices (the tadka or chhonk) varies across India. Some families add cumin seeds, while others prefer a bit of fennel. Feel free to experiment!
• Using Fresh vs. Dried Coconut: Fresh coconut is best for flavour and texture, but unsweetened desiccated coconut works in a pinch. Use about 2 tablespoons if substituting.
• Water Quality & Dal Cooking: Using filtered water can make a difference in how quickly and evenly your dal cooks.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, give the masoor dal a really good rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes any dust or impurities. Then, drain it well.
2. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the rinsed dal.
3. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape. You don’t want them mushy! If there’s excess water, drain it off.
4. Now for the fun part – the tempering! Heat the oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard seeds. Let them splutter – that’s how you know they’re ready.
5. Add the urad dal and sauté for a few seconds until they turn golden brown. Then, toss in the curry leaves and red chilli. Be careful, it might splutter a bit!
6. Finally, add a pinch of hing. It will release a lovely aroma. Sauté for just a few seconds.
7. Pour this fragrant tempering over the cooked dal. Mix well, ensuring everything is coated. Sauté for another minute or two until any remaining moisture evaporates.
8. Stir in the grated fresh coconut and adjust the salt to your liking.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:

• Achieving the Perfect Dal Consistency: The key is to not overcook the dal. You want it to be tender but still have a slight bite.
• Tempering Techniques for Maximum Flavor: Don’t rush the tempering process. Allowing the spices to bloom in the hot oil releases their full flavour.
• How to Properly Store Masoor Dal: Store uncooked masoor dal in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
• Selecting the Best Quality Spices: Freshly ground spices always have the best flavour. If possible, grind your own!
• Understanding the Role of Each Spice: Mustard seeds add a nutty flavour, urad dal provides a creamy texture, curry leaves offer a citrusy aroma, hing aids digestion, and red chilli adds a touch of heat.

Variations

Let’s get creative!

• Vegan Masoor Dal: This recipe is already vegan!
• Gluten-Free Masoor Dal: Naturally gluten-free too!
• Spice Level Adjustments (Mild, Medium, Spicy): Reduce or omit the red chilli for a milder flavour. Add more chillies or a pinch of chilli powder for extra heat. My friend, Priya, loves to add a finely chopped green chilli for a fresh kick.
• Festival Adaptations (Offering & Prasad Recipes): This dal is often offered as prasad (a sacred offering) during Hindu festivals. Ensure all ingredients are pure and prepared with devotion.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Masoor Dal warm as a nutritious snack, a light meal, or as part of a larger Indian spread. It pairs beautifully with rice or roti. I love enjoying it with a cup of hot chai!

Storage Instructions

Leftover Masoor Dal can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• What is Masoor Dal and is it healthy? Masoor dal is a type of red lentil that’s incredibly nutritious. It’s a great source of protein, fibre, iron, and folate.
• Can I use a pressure cooker to cook the Masoor Dal? Yes, you can! Cook for about 2-3 whistles on medium heat. Be careful not to overcook it.
• What can I substitute for Hing if I don’t have it? While hing is unique, you can try a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder as a substitute, though the flavour won’t be exactly the same.
• How do I know when the Masoor Dal is perfectly cooked? The lentils should be tender but still hold their shape. They shouldn’t be mushy.
• Can this Masoor Dal be made ahead of time? Yes, you can cook the dal ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just make the tempering fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Enjoy making this Masoor Dal! I hope it brings a little bit of Indian sunshine into your kitchen. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!