Authentic Dal Recipe- Arhar Dal with Kokum & Jaggery

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Authentic Dal Recipe – Arhar Dal with Kokum & Jaggery

Introduction

There’s just something about a comforting bowl of dal, isn’t there? It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug, and this Arhar Dal with Kokum & Jaggery is extra special. It’s a recipe I’ve been making for years – I first learned it from my aaji (grandmother), and it’s become a staple in our family. The subtle tang from the kokum and the sweetness from the jaggery create a flavour profile that’s both unique and incredibly satisfying. It’s simple to make, perfect for a weeknight meal, and guaranteed to become a favourite in your home too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any dal recipe. It’s a flavour explosion! Here’s what makes it so good:

• Authentic Taste: This recipe stays true to traditional Indian flavours, offering a genuine taste experience.
• Balanced Flavours: The combination of tangy, sweet, and spicy creates a harmonious blend.
• Easy to Make: Despite the complex flavours, it’s surprisingly simple and quick to prepare.
• Nutritious: Arhar dal is packed with protein and fibre, making it a healthy and fulfilling meal.

Ingredients

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

• ½ cup arhar dal (pigeon pea lentils) – about 100g
• 2-2.5 cups water – 480-600ml
• 1 tsp green chili-ginger paste – about 5g
• ½ tsp turmeric powder – about 2g
• ½ tsp red chili powder – about 2g (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp coriander powder – about 2g
• ½ tsp cumin powder – about 2g
• 1.5-2 tbsp jaggery – about 20-30g
• 3-4 dried kokum – about 5g
• 1 small tomato (optional), chopped
• 2 tbsp oil or ghee – about 30ml
• ½ tsp mustard seeds – about 2g
• ½ tsp cumin seeds – about 2g
• 2-3 dry red chilies
• 3-4 cloves
• 1 inch cinnamon stick
• 8-10 curry leaves
• 1 pinch asafoetida (hing)
• ½ tsp fenugreek seeds – about 2g
• 1-2 tbsp fresh coriander leaves, chopped

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few tips to make sure everything comes together perfectly:

• Arhar Dal (Pigeon Pea Lentils): This is the star of the show! It’s known for its mild flavour and creamy texture when cooked. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores.
• Kokum: This dried fruit adds a lovely tanginess. If you can’t find kokum, you can substitute with tamarind paste (about 1 tbsp), but the flavour will be slightly different.
• Jaggery: This unrefined sugar adds a subtle sweetness that balances the spices. You can use brown sugar as a substitute, but jaggery has a unique molasses-like flavour.
• Asafoetida (Hing): Don’t skip this! It adds a wonderful savoury depth. A little goes a long way. It’s often used to aid digestion too.
• Regional Variations in Dal Tadka: Every family has their own spin on tadka (tempering). Some add a pinch of garam masala, others use different types of chilies. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, give the arhar dal a good rinse under cold water. This helps remove any impurities.
2. Place the rinsed dal in a pressure cooker with 2-2.5 cups of water. Pressure cook for 7-8 minutes, or until the dal is completely mushy.
3. Once the pressure has released, gently mash the cooked dal with a spoon or a potato masher until it’s smooth.
4. Now, add the green chili-ginger paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, jaggery, salt, and kokum to the mashed dal. If you’re using tomato, add it now too.
5. Mix everything well to combine. Add 1.5-2 cups of water to adjust the consistency to your liking.
6. Bring the dal to a simmer and cook on low heat for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavours to meld together beautifully.
7. While the dal is simmering, let’s prepare the tadka. Heat oil or ghee in a small pan over medium heat.
8. Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then, add the cumin seeds, dry red chilies, cloves, cinnamon stick, curry leaves, asafoetida, and fenugreek seeds.
9. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant – be careful not to burn the spices!
10. Pour the hot tadka over the simmering dal. Be careful, it will splutter!
11. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

Expert Tips

A few little things that make a big difference:

• Soaking the Dal: Soaking the arhar dal for 30 minutes before cooking can help it cook faster and more evenly.
• Adjusting the Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of red chili powder to suit your taste.
• Consistency is Key: If the dal is too thick, add more water. If it’s too thin, simmer for a few more minutes.

Variations

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

• Vegan Adaptation: Simply use oil instead of ghee.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat, or reduce the red chili powder for a milder flavour. My friend, Priya, loves adding a finely chopped green chili to the tadka for an extra kick!
• Festival Adaptations: During Makar Sankranti or Pongal, you can add a little bit of freshly grated coconut to the dal for a festive touch. My family always does this!

Serving Suggestions

This dal is incredibly versatile! Here are a few ideas:

• Serve with fluffy basmati rice for a classic Indian meal.
• Enjoy with roti or naan for a comforting and satisfying dinner.
• Pair with a side of vegetable sabzi (stir-fry) for a complete meal.
• A dollop of yogurt on top adds a cooling contrast.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers? No problem!

• Store the dal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You might need to add a splash of water to loosen it up.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• What is the best way to soak arhar dal for faster cooking? Soak the dal in plenty of water for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight. This helps soften the lentils and reduces cooking time.
• Can I use lemon juice instead of kokum? You can, but the flavour will be different. Use about 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
• What is the purpose of adding jaggery to dal? Jaggery balances the spices and adds a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavour.
• How do I adjust the consistency of the dal? Add more water to thin it out, or simmer for a few more minutes to thicken it.
• What are the health benefits of arhar dal? Arhar dal is a great source of protein, fibre, and iron. It’s also low in fat and cholesterol, making it a healthy addition to your diet.