This traditional lentil recipe involves preparing a masala or curry base with onions, tomatoes, and assorted spices. Next, washed and soaked lentils are added and cooked to a creamy consistency. The term ‘fry’ refers to tempering whole spices in hot oil, adding the fresh ingredients, and sauteeing them to a thick, cohesive mixture. The lentils are delicious and pair well with naan, paratha, or basmati rice. Add a side of kachumber or cucumber raita for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Why you’ll love this dal fry recipe
One-pot recipe - Most dal fry recipes use a two-step method, but this method uses only one pot from start to finish. Suitable for people with dietary restrictions - This recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free. Hearty meal on a budget - Dal fry is the perfect budget-friendly meal to feed a crowd. Quick and easy dinner option -This lentil curry is the perfect quick and easy dinner idea.
Ingredients for a dal fry recipe
The lentils—Traditionally, dal fry is cooked with toor dal or split pigeon peas. However, using this alone makes the lentil curry too thick, so I like to add some masoor dal for a slightly thinner consistency. Whole spices—In this recipe, whole spices, like cumin and mustard seeds, are tempered at the beginning of the cooking process. Since tadka is my favorite part of eating lentils, I like to roast and add red chilies and chili flakes just before serving. Curry leaves—This is one of South Asia’s most aromatic herbs and a favorite for its citrusy smell. Fresh curry leaves are best, but if you have trouble sourcing them, a dried version will also work. Kasuri methi is another fragrant dried herb with an earthy aroma. I like to have it on hand for this recipe, as well as for my tawa-fried beef keema, aloo palak, and chicken karahi recipes.
Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete list of ingredients, measurements, and recipe instructions.
Substitutions & variations
Use different lentils - Try this recipe with chana dal instead of the split pigeon peas, or substitute the masoor dal with moong dal. Add some tang - Squeeze some lemon or add amchur powder at the end. It adds a nice zest to the lentils. Use a different fat - For those without dietary restrictions, cook the dal with ghee or butter. Change up the spices - Add some garam masala, coriander powder, or a mix of white and black pepper instead of the red chili powder, or add it to it for a more complex flavor profile. Adjust the red and green chilies accordingly if you’re adding more spice to the recipe with these powders.
How to make dal fry
First step - Heat the cooking oil and saute the cumin and mustard seeds until they pop and the aroma indicates they are properly roasted. Add the chopped onion and saute until it becomes translucent and changes color slightly. Second step - Next, add the chopped green chili and curry leaves and continue to cook for a few minutes. Third step - Follow with the ginger and garlic paste and saute for a few minutes. Fourth step - The tomatoes go in next. Reduce the heat to medium and let the tomatoes release their water to make the masala. In the above picture, I’ve used homemade frozen tomato puree.
Fifth step—Since I use homemade frozen tomato puree, I add ¼ cup of water at this point, along with the kasuri methi. You won’t need to do this if you’re using fresh tomatoes. Sixth step - After the methi has cooked for 2-3 minutes, add all the spice powders and roast the masala. Seventh step - Add 1 cup of water to the prepared mixture, cover, and cook for 10 minutes to soften all the ingredients. After this, uncover and turn the heat to high to evaporate all the liquid. Saute the ingredients until you have a blended mixture. This is the final masala for your dal fry. Eighth step - Drain the soaked lentils and add them to the masala, stirring to mix.
Ninth step - Add 4 cups of water and bring the lentil curry to a low simmer on high heat. Once it’s boiling, cover and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes. Tenth step - After the Eleventh step - Twelfth step -
Expert Tips
For more Pakistani recipes like this, check out 20 popular Pakistani recipes. If you decide to try this recipe, Please don’t forget to leave a rating and comment below! If you take a picture, tag me on Instagram! Thank You!
