Dal Panchratan / Five Lentils Curry ~ Day 109

Dal - Lentil

Panch - Five

Ratan - Jewel

Dal Panchratan refers to five different kinds of lentils, which is cooked in onion tomato gravy and spiced with fresh spices.   This healthy, nutritious, and protein packed dish pairs beautifully with hot steamed basmati rice, roti or naan.  Enjoy making this comforting and flavorful dal. 

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Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Serves: 4 to 6

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Ingredients:

• Toor dal / pigeon peas - 1/4 cup
• Chana / bengal gram - 1/4 cup
• Split moong dal / green gram - 1/4 cup
• Split or whole black urad dal / black gram - 1/4 cup
• Masoor dal / red lentil - 1/4 cup
• Oil or ghee - 2 tbsp
• Onion - 1 big, finely chopped
• Tomatoes - 2, finely chopped
• Green chilies - 2, slit
• Ginger - 2 tbsp, grated
• Garlic - 2 , cloves, grated
• Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
• Coriander powder - 1 tbsp
• Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
• Red chili powder - 1 tsp
• Asafoetida - 1/4 tsp
• Garam masala - 2 tsp
• Curry leaves - few
• Salt - to taste
• Coriander leaves / Cilantro - for garnishing

Method:

1. Wash all the dals / lentils and pressure cook with enough water until soft, about 4 whistles.  If you are using whole black urad dal, then soak it separately overnight or for a minimum of 4 hours.  After soaking, combine with the rest of the dals cook until soft. 
2. Heat oil in a saucepan,  Splutter cumin seeds.  Add asafoetida, green chilies, onion, ginger, garlic and curry leaves.  Saute until onion turns translucent. 
3. Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, and red chili powder.  Saute for 30 seconds.  Add the tomatoes and cook over low heat until oil separates.
4. Add the cooked dal / lentil and salt.  Mix well.  Cover and cook over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Mix in the garam masala and coriander leaves.  
5. Serve hot with rice, roti or naan.