### Gujarati Dal Recipe
Gujarati Dal is a delightful dish that captures the distinctive flavors of Gujarati cuisine, marked by its sweet, tangy, and spicy characteristics. This recipe is not only simple to make but also a mainstay in numerous Gujarati homes, rendering it a cherished addition to any meal.
#### Ingredients
– **For the Dal:**
– 1 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)
– 4 cups water
– 1 medium tomato, chopped
– 1 green chili, slit
– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
– Salt to taste
– **For the Tempering:**
– 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
– 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1-2 dried red chilies
– A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
– 1 tablespoon jaggery or sugar (modify to taste)
– 1 tablespoon tamarind pulp (or juice of 1 lemon)
– Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
#### Instructions
1. **Cook the Dal:**
– Wash the toor dal under running water until it runs clear.
– In a pressure cooker, mix the rinsed dal, water, chopped tomato, green chili, turmeric powder, and salt.
– Cook for about 3-4 whistles or until the dal is tender and mushy. If using a pot, simmer until the dal is thoroughly cooked, adding water as needed.
2. **Prepare the Tempering:**
– In another pan, warm ghee or oil over medium heat.
– Add mustard seeds and let them pop. Then include cumin seeds, dried red chilies, and a pinch of asafoetida.
– Sauté for a few moments until aromatic.
3. **Combine and Flavor:**
– Once cooked, gently mash the dal with a ladle.
– Drizzle the tempering over the dal and stir to combine.
– Incorporate jaggery and tamarind pulp (or lemon juice) to the dal, adjusting the sweetness and tartness as desired.
– Simmer for an extra 5-10 minutes to let the flavors blend.
4. **Serve:**
– Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
– Serve warm with phulkas or steamed rice, paired with a side of vegetable curry or bhindi fry for a complete meal.
#### Conclusion
Gujarati Dal is an ideal representation of the khati meeti (sweet and sour) flavor profile that defines Gujarati cuisine. Its distinctive taste makes it a flexible dish that complements a variety of Indian breads and rice. This recipe is not just a culinary treasure but also a comforting dish that can enhance any meal, making it an essential try for anyone interested in exploring regional Indian flavors. Enjoy your cooking!