Pakistani-Style Brown Lentils (Dal) – Traditional Homemade Recipe

Ingredients (serves 3–4):

• 1 cup brown lentils (masoor dal or similar)

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 1–2 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)

• 1 tsp ground coriander (dhania)

• ½ tsp turmeric powder

• 3 cups water

• 2 tbsp fried onions (store-bought or homemade)

• 2 tsp garlic paste

• 2 tbsp oil or ghee

• ¼ tsp garam masala

• 2 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped

• 1 tsp desi ghee (optional, for finishing)

Instructions:

1. In a pressure cooker or pot, combine brown lentils, chopped onion, red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric, water, and fried onions. Mix well.

2. Cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling, close the lid of the pressure cooker. Cook for 7 minutes after the first whistle (or simmer in a pot until lentils are tender).

3. After 7–8 minutes, remove the lid and continue cooking on low heat for a few minutes to thicken the dal.

4. In a separate small pan, heat oil or ghee and fry garlic paste until golden brown.

5. Add the fried garlic into the lentils, stir in garam masala, fresh coriander, and desi ghee. Remove from heat.

6. Serve hot with naan, chapatti, or rice.

     ( by Nadia Shahid)