Lentil is dietary staple to many countries. They come in variety of colors and sizes. Enjoy this simple and healthy Whole Baby Lentil (Masoor Matki Dal) recipe from VegRasoi.com.

Serves: 6-8

Cooking Time: ~1.15 hours

 

Ingredients

1 cup whole baby lentils (soaked ~6-8 hours)

4 cups water

2 tbsp oil

¼ tsp cumin seeds

1 small onion (diced) (optional)

3 cloves garlic (minced or diced) (optional)

¼ tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp red cayenne pepper powder

1 tsp cilantro / coriander powder

1½ tsp salt

Method

Take a cooking pot with a lid to cover and heat the oil in the pot. Add the cumin seeds and heat this in the oil until it sizzles. Further sauté the onions until golden brown. Now stir the garlic and add the soaked lentils with the water in the pot. Finally, stir the turmeric powder, red cayenne pepper powder, cilantro or coriander powder and salt to taste. Cover the pot with the lid and let this cook for ~45 minutes. Also, stir the lentils 2-3 times in between. The cooked lentils would have thick consistency and are done when they become tender. Serve hot the Whole Baby Lentil or Masoor Matki Dal.

Suggested Food Pairing: Use this as a part of main course with your choice of bread / white rice or side dish.

Tips:

1. Add a medium tomato (diced) after stirring the garlic and sauté the tomatoes for ~4-5 minutes or until oil separates, to enhance the flavor of whole baby lentil. Additionally minced ginger can be added with the garlic to make the whole baby lentil spicy and zesty!
2. Alternatively you can soak the lentils for ~½ hour and cook this in a pressure cooker for ~15-20 minutes (~2-3 pressure cooker whistles) to make the whole baby lentil quickly and save time!