Tomato Dal Fry

Dal fry is a very popular lentil recipe, made with a single or combination of lentils like toor dal, chana dal, moong dal and masoor dal. For making dal fry, the lentils are first pressure cooked and then combined with a mixture of onion, tomato, garlic, ginger and spices sauteed in ghee. It is usually served with roti/phulka, jeera rice and plain rice.

This tomato dal fry is a slight variation of our regular dal fry. Tomatoes and lentils are cooked together and onion, ginger, garlic and spices are sauteed in butter instead of ghee. I make this dal often for guests and parties, as it takes very less time to put together and the butter adds a rich flavor and aroma to the dal. Serve this dal with phulkas or rice.

Tomato Dal Fry

Tomato and mixed lentils with ginger, garlic, onion and spices
Servings 3
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

For the dal

  • ½ cup masoor dal
  • ¼ cup toor dal
  • ¼ cup chana dal
  • 2 large tomato chopped
  • ¼ tsp turmeric powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 ½ cup water

For the masala

  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds / jeera
  • Pinch of asafoetida / hing
  • 2-3 dry red chillies
  • 1 inch cinnamon stick
  • 3-4 garlic cloves grated
  • 1 inch ginger grated
  • 2-3 green chillies finely chopped
  • 1 small-sized onion finely chopped
  • ½ tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp kasuri methi / dried fenugreek leaves
  • Salt to taste
  • Coriander leaves to garnish

Instructions

  • Wash the 3 dals together and add tomatoes, turmeric powder, salt and water. Pressure cook for 3 whistles or until soft. Set aside.
  • In a kadai, heat oil and butter. Add mustard seeds and when it crackles add red chillies, asafoetida, cinnamon and jeera.
  • Add garlic, ginger and green chillies and fry in low heat for a minute. Then turn the heat to medium and add onion. Fry till onions turn light golden.
  • Add garam masala, kasuri methi, salt and give a mix. Add the cooked dal and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and add chopped coriander leaves.

Notes

  • I have used butter and oil here but you can substitute with ghee and oil or just use oil alone.
  • The dal is not very spicy. If you want little spicy dal, add more green chillies or red chilly powder.
  • I like my dal fry with medium thick consistency. If you want thinner dal, add water after adding the dal and adjust the consistency.
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: Side Dish for Rice, Side Dish for Roti

Did you make this recipe?

Leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out for you! Or snap a photo and tag @spillthespices on Instagram and Facebook with the hashtag #spillthespices.

Join the Conversation

  1. dal fry with ghee rice is my favorite 😀 i loved it

  2. comforting dhal..beautiful clicks Sona

  3. love this combo of dals, next week i might try this.

  4. Sounds very tasty and perfect with hot rice… Inviting clicks !

  5. perfect dhal n roti..yummy clciks

  6. Comfort to have any time..

  7. Dal is my favourite.. looks yummy.

  8. Dal fry looks so delicious and inviting.. perfectly made..

  9. Comforting and delicious dal.. inviting clicks dear..

  10. Dal looks mouthwatering and delicious.. Nice clicks!

  11. Love it! comforting food I've to say!

  12. tempting tempting!

  13. Yummy looking dal.

  14. Full of flavor,looks yummy

  15. Tomato dal fry looks delicious Sona. Very nice.

  16. Lovely dal fry, looks very delicious and lip-smacking!

  17. Perfectly done, looks so tempting with the rotis..

  18. This masoor dal recipe great. i am so gonna try it

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