Toor Dal Recipe – Authentic South Indian Yellow Dal Recipe

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Toor Dal Recipe – Authentic South Indian Yellow Dal Recipe

Hey everyone! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s close to my heart – a classic South Indian Toor Dal. This dal is comfort food at its finest, and it’s a staple in many South Indian households (including mine!). It’s simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. I remember learning to make this from my grandmother, and it always brings back warm memories. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Toor Dal recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s quick to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner, and packed with protein. The beautiful golden color and the aromatic tempering (tadka) make it a feast for the eyes and the stomach. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Toor Dal:

• 1.5 cup toor dal/toovar dal/yellow dal/kandi pappu (about 225g)
• 3 medium sized tomatoes, chopped
• 1 medium sized onion, chopped
• 2-3 green chillies, slit
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder (about 5g)
• 0.5 teaspoon red chilli powder (about 2.5g)
• 1 inch tamarind piece
• 1 tablespoon coriander leaves, chopped (about 7g)
• 2 cups water (480ml)
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoon oil (about 30ml)
• 0.5 teaspoon mustard seeds (about 2.5g)
• 0.5 teaspoon cumin seeds (about 2.5g)
• 0.5 teaspoon split black gram/urad dal (about 2.5g)
• 0.5 teaspoon bengal gram/chana dal (about 2.5g)
• 2-3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2-3 dried red chillies
• 5-6 curry leaves

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about a few key ingredients to make sure your dal turns out just right:

• Toor Dal Varieties (Kandi Pappu, Toovar Dal, Yellow Dal): Don’t worry about the name! They’re all the same thing. Toor dal is split pigeon peas, and you can find it easily in any Indian grocery store.
• Regional Variations in Spice Levels: South Indian cuisine can range from mild to fiery! Feel free to adjust the number of green chillies and red chilli powder to your liking.
• The Importance of Fresh Curry Leaves: Seriously, don’t skip these! Fresh curry leaves add an incredible aroma and flavor. Dried ones just aren’t the same. If you can grow your own, even better!
• Using Tamarind for Authentic Sourness: Tamarind is what gives this dal its signature tangy flavor. You can use tamarind paste if you can’t find the block, but adjust the quantity accordingly (about 1 tablespoon of paste).

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, give the toor dal a good wash in a pressure cooker. Add the chopped tomatoes, onion, green chillies, tamarind, coriander leaves, turmeric powder, and red chilli powder.
2. Pour in 2 cups of water and pressure cook until the dal is tender – usually around 5-6 whistles.
3. Once the pressure has released, carefully open the cooker and mash the cooked dal with a spoon or a potato masher. Set it aside.
4. Now, let’s make the tempering! Heat the oil in a separate pan. Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter.
5. Add the cumin seeds, urad dal, and chana dal. Sauté until they turn golden brown and fragrant.
6. Toss in the crushed garlic cloves and dried red chillies. Fry for a few seconds until the garlic is lightly golden.
7. Finally, add the curry leaves and fry until they become crisp and aromatic.
8. Pour this beautiful tempering over the cooked dal. Mix well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Expert Tips

• Washing the Dal: Washing removes excess starch, resulting in a lighter, less sticky dal.
• Don’t Overcook: Overcooked dal can become mushy. Keep an eye on the pressure cooker!
• Adjust Salt: Salt is key! Add it gradually and taste as you go.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Toor Dal: This recipe is already naturally vegan! Just ensure you aren’t using any ghee (clarified butter) in the tempering.
• Adjusting Spice Level (Mild to Spicy): Reduce or omit the green chillies and red chilli powder for a milder dal. Add more for a spicier kick! My friend, Priya, loves to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Instant Pot Toor Dal Adaptation: You can easily make this in an Instant Pot! Use the same ingredients and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.
• South Indian Festival Adaptations (Pongal, etc.): This dal forms the base for many festive South Indian dishes like Pongal. You can add rice and spices for a more elaborate meal.

Serving Suggestions

Toor Dal is incredibly versatile!

• Best Accompaniments (Rice, Rotis, Vegetables): It pairs perfectly with steamed rice, roti, or any vegetable curry.
• Serving with Yogurt or Papadums: A dollop of cool yogurt or a crispy papadum adds a lovely contrast to the warm, flavorful dal.

Storage Instructions

• Storing Leftover Dal: Leftover dal can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing Toor Dal: Yes! Toor dal freezes beautifully. Store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• What is the best way to wash toor dal? Rinse the dal under cold water until the water runs clear. This usually takes 2-3 washes.
• Can I use a different type of dal for this recipe? While toor dal is traditional, you can experiment with masoor dal (red lentils) for a quicker-cooking option, but the flavor will be different.
• How can I adjust the consistency of the dal? If the dal is too thick, add a little hot water. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes.
• What is the purpose of tempering (tadka/chhonk) in dal? Tempering infuses the dal with aromatic spices and adds a depth of flavor. It’s a crucial step!
• Can I make this recipe without tamarind? What can I substitute? You can use lemon juice or a small amount of amchur powder (dried mango powder) as a substitute for tamarind.
• How do I know when the dal is cooked properly in the pressure cooker? The dal should be soft and easily mashed with a spoon. If it’s still hard, cook for another whistle.

Enjoy this authentic South Indian Toor Dal recipe! I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. Happy cooking!