Toor Dal Fry Recipe

Thick and luscious Toor Dal Fry with red chili and garlic tadka drizzled on top

Toor Dal Fry Recipe -Restaurant-Style Dal Fry. This is an easy and flavorful Arhar Dal Fry Recipe with a detailed photo and video recipe. Toor Dal Fry is a delicious, protein-rich Indian lentil dish made with split pigeon peas, aromatic spices, and a tempering of ghee or oil. This restaurant-style Toor Dal Fry recipe is packed with flavours and pairs perfectly with steamed rice, jeera rice, or roti. Learn how to make this easy and comforting dal at home with step-by-step instructions.

About Toor Dal Fry

Toor Dal Fry Recipe- Restaurant-Style Dal Fry. This is an easy and flavorful Arhar Dal Fry a flavorful and comforting Indian dish made using split pigeon peas (toor dal). It is a staple in many Indian households known for its rich, creamy texture and aromatic spices. This dish is prepared by cooking the lentils until soft and then infusing them with a fragrant tadka (tempering) of ghee, cumin, mustard seeds, garlic, onions, and tomatoes. These ingredients enhance the taste, making it a go-to dish for everyday meals and special occasions.

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Often served with steamed rice or roti, Toor Dal Fry is packed with protein and essential nutrients, making it a wholesome meal. The use of ghee and aromatic spices gives it an authentic restaurant-style flavour. With the right balance of spices, tanginess from tomatoes, and the richness of lentils, this dish is loved by all age groups.

What is Toor Dal Fry?

Toor Dal Fry is a popular Indian dal recipe made by cooking split pigeon peas (toor dal) with turmeric and then tempering them with spices, onions, tomatoes, and garlic. The tadka (tempering) enhances the flavour, making it a rich and comforting dish commonly served in Indian restaurants.

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🧾Essential Ingredients Perfect Toor Dal Fry Recipe

Toor Dal (Split Pigeon Peas): The base of the dish, provides a creamy and rich texture when cooked properly.
Ghee or Oil: Ghee enhances the authentic restaurant-style flavour, but oil can be used for a vegan version.
Cumin & Mustard Seeds: These whole spices add depth and fragrance to the tadka (tempering).
Garlic & Green Chili: Garlic provides an earthy, bold flavour, while green chilli adds spice.
Onions & Tomatoes: These create a flavorful and slightly tangy base for the dal.
Spices (Turmeric, Red Chili Powder, Coriander Powder, Garam Masala): balance warmth, colour, and flavour.
Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves): A secret ingredient that enhances the taste and gives a subtle bitterness to balance flavours.
Lemon Juice (Optional): Adds freshness and enhances the overall taste of the dal.
Fresh Coriander Leaves: Used as a garnish to bring in a fresh, aromatic finish.

💭 Tips for Perfect Perfect Perfect Toor Dal Fry Recipe

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes, garlic, and green chillies enhance the taste significantly.
Consistency Matters: Adjust the amount of water based on whether you prefer a thick or slightly runny dal.
Slow Cooking for Enhanced Flavor: Allow the dal to simmer a few extra minutes after adding the tadka for a richer taste.
Roast Spices for Extra Aroma: Lightly roasting cumin and mustard seeds before adding other ingredients enhances the flavour.
Add a Smoky Flavor: Try the Dhungar method (charcoal smoking) for a restaurant-style taste.
Balance the Spices: Taste and adjust the seasoning to suit your preference, adding salt and tanginess as needed.
Use Hing (Asafoetida): A pinch of hing adds depth to the flavour and digestion.
Garnish Generously: Fresh coriander leaves add freshness, and a drizzle of ghee at the end enhances the aroma.

FAQs About Perfect Recipe

How do I store leftover dal?

Leftover dal can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat with a little water before serving.

Can I use other lentils for this recipe?

Yes, We can use moong dal or masoor dal instead of toor dal.

Can I make Toor Dal Fry without a pressure cooker?

We can cook the dal in a pot with 4-5 cups of water. It may take around 30-40 minutes to soften.

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🥣 Storing Suggestions for Toor Dal Fry

Refrigeration: Store leftover dal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and Reheat before serving.
Freezing: You can freeze Toor Dal Fry in freezer-safe containers for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with a little water.
Reheating Tips: Reheat on a stovetop or in a microwave. Add a splash of water to adjust consistency.
Avoid Overheating: Overheating may alter the taste and texture, so reheat only the portion you need.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with steamed basmati rice or jeera rice or mild-flavoured Pulao for a classic combination.
Pair it with phulka, chapati, or naan for a wholesome meal.
Enjoy with steamed quinoa or millet for a healthier alternative.
Serve alongside pickle, papad, chaas and salad for a complete thali-style meal.
Drizzle some extra ghee on top for enhanced flavour and richness.

Video Recipe

🧾Recipe Card for Toor Dal Fry Recipe

Homemade Toor Dal Fry served in a bowl with fresh coriander and a side of roti

A flavorful and comforting Toor Dal Fry, cooked with aromatic spices, tomatoes, and tempered with ghee for a rich and satisfying taste. Perfect with rice or roti!

Prep Time10

Active Time22

Total Time35

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Indian, north indian

Diet: Vegetarian

Yield: 4

Calories:

Author: Spicy Veg Recipes

Equipment

Pressure Cooker For cooking the dal
Ladle For stirring
Pan/Kadai For tempering the spices

Materials

Toor Dal Preparation
1 cup Toor Dal Pigeon Pea Lentils
3 cups Water
1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
1 tsp Oil

Tadka (Tempering)

2 tbsp Ghee or Oil
1 tsp Cumin Seeds
1/4 tsp Asafoetida Hing
2 dried red chillies
1 Onion finely chopped
2 Green chillies Chopped
1-2 Tomatoes finely chopped
1 tsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
1 tsp Kashmiri Red Chili Powder
1 tsp Coriander Powder
1/2 tsp Garam Masala
1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder
1 tsp Kasuri methi
2 tbsp Fresh Coriander chopped
1 tsp Lemon Juice

Instructions

Cook the Dal:

Wash and Soak the toor dal for 20-30 minutes.
Rinse the Toor Dal and pressure cook it with water, turmeric, oil and oil for 2-3 whistles until soft.
Mash slightly and set aside.

Prepare the Tempering (Tadka):

Heat ghee or oil in a pan.
Add cumin seeds, Dried Red chilli, and hing; let them splutter.
Add green chilli and saute for a few seconds.

Sauté the Aromatics:

Now add 1 onion chopped and salt to taste and sauté untill translucent.
Add 1 tsp chopped/grated ginger and 1 tsp chopped /grated garlic and cook until the raw smell disappears and the onion turns golden brown.

Add Tomatoes & Spices:

Add the dry spices 1 tsp coriander powder, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder and 1 tsp kasuri methi and saute them for a few seconds.
Now add 1 chopped tomato, Stir and cook until soft.
Saute them well sprinkle 2 tbsp water if required, dont allow them to burn them.

Combine Dal & Simmer:

Pour the cooked dal into the pan, mix well, and let it simmer for 5-8 minutes.
Adjust salt and consistency as needed.

Finish & Serve:

Finally add garam masala, fresh coriander and lemon juice and mix them well.
Serve hot with rice or roti.

Notes

For a smoky flavour, try dhungar (charcoal smoking technique).
Add a final tempering of garlic & dried red chillies for extra taste.
To make it vegan, use oil instead of ghee.

💛 Enjoy this comforting Toor Dal Fry with rice or roti!

Cook the Toor Dal

Wash and Soak the toor dal for 20-30 minutes.
Rinse the 1 cup of Toor Dal and pressure cook it with 3 cups of water, 1/4 tsp turmeric, 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp oil for 2-3 whistles until soft.
Mash slightly and set aside.

Pressure-cooked toor dal in a pot, mashed and ready for tempering

👩‍🍳 How To Make Dal Fry (Stepwise Photos)

Prepare the Tadka (Tempering)

Heat 2 tbsp ghee or oil in a pan.
Add 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 Dried Red chilli, and 1/4 tsp Asafoetida let them splutter.
Add 1 chopped green chilli and saute for a few seconds.

Tadka preparation with cumin, mustard seeds, and spices sizzling in ghee

Now add 1 onion chopped and salt to taste and sauté untill translucent
Add 1 tsp chopped/grated ginger and 1 tsp chopped /grated garlic and cook until the raw smell disappears and the onion turns golden brown.

onions and green chilies; sauté until golden brown.
Add ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.

Add the dry spices 1 tsp coriander powder, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder and 1 tsp kasuri methi and saute them for a few seconds.
Now add 1 chopped tomato, Stir and cook until soft.
Saute them well sprinkle 2 tbsp water if required, dont allow them to burn them.

Tomatoes and onions sautéing in a pan for Toor Dal Fry

Mix Dal with Tadka

Pour the cooked dal into the pan, mix well, and adjust salt and consistency as needed.
let it simmer for 5-8 minutes.
After 8 minutes stir well and switch off the heat.
Finally, Add 1/2 tsp garam masala, 1 tbsp lemon juice and coriander as desired and mix well.

Dal simmering in a pan with aromatic Indian spices

Garnish with fresh coriander and Ghee and Serve hot with rice or roti.

Dal Fry thali with rice, roti, salad, and a bowl of spiced lentils

Expert Tips for the Best Toor Dal Fry

Simmer for Depth of Flavor: Letting the dal simmer for 5-7 minutes after adding the tadka helps the flavours meld beautifully.

Soak Dal for Faster Cooking: Soaking toor dal for 30 minutes before cooking helps it cook faster and makes it easier to digest.

Use Homemade Ghee: Using fresh, homemade ghee enhances the aroma and richness of the dal.

Mash the Dal Properly: Mashing cooked dal gives it a creamy and smooth texture, just like restaurant-style dal fry.

Don’t Skip Kasuri Methi: A small amount of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) gives an authentic dhaba-style flavour.

Ghee Tadka for Extra Flavor: For an added punch of flavour, heat ghee separately and drizzle it over the dal just before serving.

Lemon Juice at the End: Adding lemon juice at the end preserves its freshness and tanginess, enhancing the overall taste.

Final Thoughts

Toor Dal Fry is a comforting and delicious dish, That can be easily prepared at home with basic ingredients. Whether looking for a simple meal or an authentic restaurant-style experience, this dal fry recipe delivers rich flavours and wholesome nutrition. Pair it with hot steamed rice, jeera rice, or soft rotis for a satisfying meal. With these expert tips and tricks mentioned above, you can perfect your dal fry and enjoy a flavorful, aromatic dish every time. Try this recipe today and bring the authentic taste of Indian dal to your kitchen!

Enjoy this flavorful Restaurant-Style Toor Dal Fry at home and impress your family with this comforting and easy-to-make dish!

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