Easy Methi Dal Recipe: How To Make Comforting Methi Dal For Afternoon Lunch In Just 8 Steps

How To Make Methi Dal For Afternoon Lunch: It’s a winter morning and if you’re craving a wholesome meal rich with nutrients during a busy afternoon lunch, nothing can be better than methi dal. It is the quintessential comfort food of Indian cuisine, having fenugreek leaves, also known as methi, as the main ingredient. The recipe is simple and is mainly made with toor dal. This easy and simple recipe is high in protein and is fulfilling when paired with steamed rice. With just eight steps, methi dal can be prepared, boasting nutrients.

In almost 20 minutes, your comforting methi day can be prepared with ease. Take a look at the methi dal recipe for afternoon lunch.

Methi Dal Ingredients List

• 1 cup toor dal
• Water
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 3 to 4 tablespoons of oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1½ inch ginger, finely chopped
• 5 to 6 garlic, finely chopped
• 2 to 3 green chillies
• 1 to 2 dry red chillies
• 1 medium tomato, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder
• 1 pinch asafoetida (hing)
• 1 cup chopped fresh fenugreek or methi leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt as required

ALSO READ: Recreating Bengali Food In Delhi Flat: How Food Travelled As An Emotional Migration For Me

Easy Methi Dal Recipe: How To Make Easy Methi Dal For Afternoon Lunch

Step 1: Prep And Pressure Cook Toor Dal Base

Wash toor dal till the water runs clear and then drain it. Ready a pressure cooker with the washed dal, a pinch of turmeric, and 3 cups of water to quickly prepare the dal base.

Step 2: Cool Dal Until Soft And Creamy

Pressure cook on medium-high heat for 8-10 whistles until the dal is cooked to soft perfection. Just give it a gentle mush with the whisk or spoon.

Step 3: Start The Flavorful Tadka

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a small pan over a medium flame. Toss in some cumin seeds and let them sizzle and pop to awaken their aromatic flavours.

Step 4: Saute Onions, Garlic, Ginger And Chill

Add chopped onions, garlic, ginger, green chillies and red chillies. Stir-fry them until the onions turn translucent, which approximately takes 3-4 minutes.

Easy Methi Dal Recipe (Image Credits: Canva)

Step 5: Cook Tomatoes And Spices Together

Add chopped tomatoes, add a pinch of asafoetida or hing and red chilli powder to the mixture. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to make the dal base spicy.

Step 6: Wilt Fresh Methi Leaves Into The Mix

Add fresh chopped methi leaves and saute till they are soft and oil is released. Now add the dal. Blend it till the exotic flavours release.

Step 7: Season, Simmer And Adjust Consistency

Add salt to taste and enough water depending on the desired dal consistency. Simmer methi dal for almost 7-8 minutes, allowing flavours to meld delightfully in this classic comfort Indian dish.

ALSO READ: Healthy Aloo Puri Recipe: Delicious Breakfast Without Deep Frying

Step 8: Finish With Garam Masala

Sprinkle garam masala, season to taste with salt, and adjust seasoning as needed. You can garnish the dal with coriander leaves. Your methi dal is ready to be served hot with steamed rice or roti.

Methi Dal is the go-to, hassle-free afternoon comforting recipe that is healthy as well as delicious. With these eight easy steps, you can prepare methi dal for a busy afternoon lunch.