Masala Pappu (Indian Red Lentil Dal)

This Indian dal is done very quickly. No need to use a pressure cooker, as red lentils cook very fast. Serve with rice, kakarakaya (bitter gourd), or capsicum fry and yogurt on the side.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Calories: 289 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup red lentils
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
• 2 whole cloves
• 1 pinch salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 (1 inch) piece cinnamon stick
• 1 pinch ground black pepper to taste
• ¾ teaspoon garam masala
• 2 pinches fennel seeds
• ½ teaspoon curry powder (Optional)
• 1 fresh curry leaves, or more to taste (Optional)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Cook and stir cloves, cinnamon, bay leaf, cumin seeds, and fennel seeds in the hot oil for 15 seconds. Stir in garlic and cook until golden, about 1 minute. Add onion and cook until light brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in garam masala, curry powder, turmeric, and salt.

Step 2

Pour water and lentils into the pan and cover with a lid. Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and cook until lentils are tender and liquid has been absorbed, about 15 minutes. Season with curry leaves and pepper; remove from heat.