Dal (Lentil) Soup Spice Mix

A soupy stew prepared from Dal / Lentil (Pulses / legumes) is one of the most consumed dish in Indian subcontinent, for a healthy source of proteins from a balanced no- meat diet. Dal masala is great for giving any dal/ lentils (pulses or legumes) a great taste and aroma. 

Ingredients: Coriander, Cumin, Garlic, Turmeric, Onion, Cilantro, Paprika, Cardamom, Red chili pepper.

Suggested Usage: Use 1½ tbsp dal masala for 1 cup dal/Lentil

Simple recipe to prepare Dal: Wash & soak 1 cup dal/lentils for 30 min., drain and keep aside. Boil 2 1/2cup water( for thicker soup) or 5 cups ( for thinner soup), add soaked dal/lentils, cook covered on medium heat (30-40 min) until the dal/lentils are soft, Remove lid, add 1 ½tbsp dal masala, 1 chopped tomato, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1tsp chopped garlic, 1 to 1 ½ tsp salt to taste, 1tbsp chopped coriander, cook (for 3 to 5 min) until tomato is soft, remove from heat.

For Tadka: Heat 1tbsp ghee/oil in a pan (tadka pan), add ¼tsp asafoetida (hing) powder), ½ tsp panch phoran /punch pudan (for tadka), fry few seconds until they crack, pour over dal/ lentil, stir, keep covered for 2-3 min, garnish with fried onion, then serve hot.