Best Masoor Dal Recipes: Indian cuisine prominently features different types of lentils. Among them, masoor dal (red lentil) is one of the most commonly used ingredients. This dal comes with many health benefits: it can boost heart health, improve bone density, protect your skin and also help you lose weight. Apart from usual dal preparations, you can also use this lentil to make snacks, chaat items and soups. We have narrowed down a list of easy recipes that will introduce you to the wonders of masoor dal. Many of these dishes are filled with traditional flavours that you are sure to appreciate. Check them out below.
Here Are 16 Delicious And Easy Masoor Dal (Red Lentil) Recipes
1. Masoor Dal Khichdi
Khichdi is the ultimate comfort food and can be prepared with different types of lentils. This masoor dal khichdi is a protein-packed dish that is easy to make. Whether you want a healthy lunch or a light dinner, this dish is the way to go. Click here for the recipe.
2. Dhuli Masoor Ki Dal
Masoor Dal is often made in a pressure cooker
Once you taste this classic, it might become your go-to dal dish. To flavour Dhuli Masoor Dal, you only require simple spices, onion, tomato, ginger and ghee. You can pair it with whatever you want: rice, roti, bread and more. Find the full recipe here.
3. Sabut Masoor Ki Dal
This version is a bit similar to the earlier one but does not contain onion. Bay leaves are also added for enhanced aroma. Sabut Masoor Ki Dal is another comfort dish that you will want to make again and again. Click here for the recipe.
4. Instant Masoor Dal
In a hurry but don't want to compromise on your food? Then this instant dal recipe will save the day. Instead of cooking masoor dal in a pressure cooker, you can prepare it in a pot. The dal is flavoured with cumin, mustard, hing, chillies and more. Watch the recipe video here.
5. Hyderabadi Khatti Dal
This dish can be made with masoor dal or toor dal. If you're in the mood for something tangy, then this Hyderabadi-style dal will not let you down. The lentil is cooked with tomatoes, tamarind and different kinds of spices to make this yummy dish. Find the recipe here.
6. Kerala-Style Parippu Curry
This aromatic curry can be savoured with rice for a wholesome meal. It is an interesting way to enjoy Keralite flavours in a vegetarian preparation. Among the many spices, you will detect a hint of coconut that takes this dish to the next level. Find the full recipe here.
7. Bengali-Style Masoor Dal
Let us move from South India towards the East now. In this Bengali-style dish, masoor dal carries the flavour of mustard, chillies, kalonji (nigella seeds) and a little turmeric. Simple yet delicious, it is typically eaten with rice, pappad and aloo seddho. Click here for the recipe.
8. Chhattisgarh Batkar Curry
Masoor Dal is cooked in different ways across the country
Coming towards central India, you should also try Batkar Curry from Chattisgarh. Masoor dal is cooked with dahi, besan, onions and a host of spices to make this satisfying dish. You can enjoy it with rice, rotis, puris and more. Find the full recipe here.
9. Clay-Tempered Masoor Dal
Now, if you want a unique yet traditional way of relishing masoor dal, opt for this recipe. Once cooked in a pot, the dal is tempered with a range of spices as well as broken clay plates (soaked beforehand). The latter lends it an earthy edge that is sure to tantalise your taste buds. Click here for the exact recipe.
10. Masoor Dal Dosa
You can never go wrong with dosas - for any meal! Instead of only rice and urad dal, this recipe also uses masoor dal for the batter. You can use it with or without fermentation to make some wholesome dosas. Find the recipe and benefits here.
11. Dal Moth Namkeen
Masoor Dal can be used to make chaat items too
You can savour masoor dal in other ways too. For a tea-time option, you can make Dal Moth Namkeen. Fried masoor dal is mixed with nuts, onion, sev and spices to make this yummy snack. This particular namkeen is quite popular in North India. Find the complete recipe here.
12. Kumaoni Badeel
Badeel is a deep-fried delicacy said to originate from the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Masoor dal paste is mixed with masalas, ginger, garlic and chillies to make the batter for this kebab-like snack. Serve it with some freshly made pudina chutney. Click here for the full recipe.
13. Masoor Dal Ki Pakodi
This is another deep-fried snack you can make with masoor dal. The lentil is mixed with onion, ginger, coriander, kalonji and more to make this crisp treat. Try making these pakodis instead of regular besan pakoras for your next evening indulgence. Find the full recipe here.
14. Lentil and Broccoli Chaat
If you're looking for a fun fusion dish, this chaat is a good option. Nutritious and tasty, this chaat contains masoor dal, charred broccoli, black beans, papaya, potatoes and more tossed in a special dressing. Sounds intriguing, doesn't it? Find the full recipe here.
15. Masoor Dal And Spinach Soup
Masoor Dal soups are nutritious and delicious. Photo Credit: iStock
Masoor dal also makes for a wonderful, high-protein soup base. To prepare this particular lentil soup, you need masoor dal, spinach, salt, pepper, butter and lemon juice. Ready in just a few minutes, this soup is weight-loss-friendly too. Find the complete recipe here.
16. Masoor Dal Vegetable Soup
Another dal soup you can make is this mixed veggie one. Masoor dal is mixed with carrot, celery, ginger and beans in this immunity-boosting soup. It makes for a light and healthy dinner in any season. Watch the recipe video here.
With these yummy recipes, you can easily make masoor dal a regular part of your diet.