One weekend, when vegetables were low and I was bored of making the same dishes all the time, I decided to make something different. So I found this mixed dal recipe from Tarla Dalal and made it with some slight tweaks, based on what I had available in my pantry.

Spicy Mixed Dal

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsps split yellow moong dal
• 2 tbsps urad dal
• 2 tbsps chana dal
• 2 tbsps toovar dal
• 2 tbsp whole green moong dal
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 5-6 cloves of Garlic
• 1-inch piece of Ginger
• 4-5 fresh red chillies
• 2 tsp garam masala powder
• 2 tsps (more or less) red chilli powder
• 2 tsps coriander powder
• 2 tsps cumin powder
• 2 tbsps Ghee or oil
• 1 cup of beaten yoghurt
• Salt to taste
• Coriander leaves to garnish

Method:

• Wash all the dals. Soak them in hot water for 20 – 30 mins and then cook them in a pressure cooker along with 1/2 tsp turmeric powder until mashed well.Allow the steam to escape and then open the lid.
• In the meantime, blend the ginger, garlic and red chillies into a smooth paste and keep aside.
• In a small pan, heat the ghee and add the cumin seeds, then the onions and saute till the onions are slightly translucent.
• Now add the ginger, garlic, chilli paste and saute till the oil starts coming out.
• Then add the tomatoes and the dry spices (remainder of turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, cumin powder and garam masala powder) and saute for a while.
• When the oil starts to come out, add the yoghurt and stir continuously on a medium flame till the mixture comes together.
• Pour this gravy into the cooked dal and mix well. Check for seasoning and cook for around 10 minutes till the dal is completely mashed and mixed well.
• Season with coriander leaves and serve with any rice or roti.