Day 32: Arhar Dal with Nepali Chutney

Simple and satisfying! I’ve learnt that one can go wrong with even simple dal chawal, but if you use the right ratio of dal to water and cook it for a suitable duration (varies according to type) then it turns out perfect. This is my dads favourite dal.

Ingredients for the dal

1. Dal/lentils – one small bowl

Ratio of dal to water is 1:2

2. 1/4 tsp of haldi/turmeric

3. 1/2 tsp of salt

4. 1 small onion – chopped (small)

5. 1 small tomato – chopped (small)

6. 1 tsp ginger garlic paste

7. 2 whole green chilli’s

8. 1 tbsp of oil

9. 1/2 tsp of ghee (optional)

Method

1. Wash and soak the lentils/dal in water for 10-15 minutes and then drain.

2. Put the dal/lentils in a pressure cooker on medium heat and add haldi/turmeric and salt and close the lid. Switch off the gas before the first whistle (when the pressure is about to release). You can make it in a pot as well but you would need half a cup more of water and a longer cooking time.

3. Check after 15 minutes if the steam has been released.

4. Take a wok and heat oil on medium heat.

5. Add jeera/cumin and let it splutter.

6. Add the chopped onions and the ginger garlic paste and stir for 3 minutes

7. Add the tomatoes and stir for another 2-3 minutes. Then add the sliced green chilli’s and stir.

8. Remove the lid of pressure cooker and check.

9. Add the cooked tomato & onion to the dal and cook on low heat for 5 minutes

Ingredients for Nepali Chutney

1. 4 small tomatoes

2. 1 small onion

3. 1 tsp of ginger garlic paste

4. 2 tbsp of sesame seeds

5. 1/2 tsp of salt

6. 1 whole dry red chilli.

7. 1 tbsp of oil

8. 1/2 tsp sugar

Method

1. Grill or char the tomatoes. Allow it to cool and remove then skin before chopping

2. Chop the onions into small pieces

3. Heat oil in a pan and add the red chilli’s and onions. Stir for 3 minutes on medium heat.

4. Add the ginger garlic paste and stir for 20 seconds

6. Move the onions to the side and add the sesame seeds in the middle of the pan and stir it for a minute. Then mix it all together and stir it for 3-4 minutes.

5. Add the chopped tomatoes and stir for 3-4 minutes

7. Add salt.

8. Reduce heat and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, mashing it up occasionally.

9. Switch off the gas and let it cool.

10. Then put in a mixie, add sugar and blend till it remains slightly coarse.