Dal fry
Dal fry from India.
Cook and rest are read from the method. Prep is estimated when the listing left it out. Optional overnight waits and leftover storage are not counted.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 31 min
- Rest
- None
- Total
- 51 min
- Difficulty
- A bit of work
- Spice
- Mild
- Cost
- Weeknight budget$8–16 USD · indicative, not a store price
About
Dal fry is listed as vegetarian from India. The steps below follow the imported method, not an editorial rewrite. Times shown were read from those steps.
What you'll need
15 ingredients. Tap each one once it's out on the bench.
Ingredients
- Toor dal237 ml
- Salt7.4 ml
- Turmeric1.2 ml
- Ghee44 ml
- Chopped tomatoes237 ml
- Cumin2½ ml
- Mustard seeds2½ ml
- Fresh chilli15 ml
- Ginger9.9 ml
- Coriander30 ml
- Red pepper2½ ml
- Sugar4.9 ml
- Garam masala1.2 ml
Scaling multiplies the written quantities. Baking still prefers a scale.
Steps
Step 1
Wash and soak toor dal in approx. cups of water, for at least one hours.
Step 2
Dal will be double in volume after soaking. Drain the water.
Step 3
Cook dal with 2-1/2 cups water and add salt, turmeric, on medium high heat, until soft in texture (approximately 30 mins) it should be like thick soup. In a frying pan, heat the ghee.
30 min
Step 4
Add cumin seeds, and mustard seeds. After the seeds crack, add bay leaves, green chili, ginger and chili powder.
Step 5
Stir for a few seconds. Add tomatoes, salt and sugar stir and cook until tomatoes are tender and mushy.
Step 6
Add cilantro and garam masala cook for about one minute. Pour the seasoning over dal mix it well and cook for another minute.
1 min
Step 7
Serve with Naan.
Nutrition
Per serving · estimate
- Calories
- 262 kcal
- Protein
- 5.4 g
- Carbs
- 34.1 g
- Fat
- 15.1 g
- Saturated fat
- 7.6 g
- Fibre
- 10 g
- Sugar
- 4.3 g
- Sodium
- 826 mg
Calculated from canonical ingredient data (USDA FoodData Central averages and equivalent published tables). Estimates only.
Allergens
Informational only. Not a medical guarantee. Cross-contamination happens in real kitchens.
- Milk
- Vegetarian
Adapt this recipe
The original recipe stays as it is. Personal versions are labelled. Serving changes are simple maths.
Adaptations · 0 / 15 used. Resets 13 November.
Substitutions
tomato (passata or canned chopped tomatoes) → passata or canned chopped tomatoes
Canned tomatoes are often better than pale fresh ones out of season.
chilli (paprika or chilli flakes) → paprika or chilli flakes
Paprika is milder and sweeter. Add cayenne if you still want heat.
Tips
- Times on this listing were inferred from the imported method, not kitchen-tested.
History & culture
Inspired by the original
Provenance: Imported. Not developed or tested in our kitchen, so quantities and timings can be approximate. Times on this listing were inferred from the imported method, not kitchen-tested.
Questions about this recipe
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Dal fry take?
51 min all in — 20 min prep, 31 min cook. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
A bit of work.
How spicy is it?
Mild.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Milk. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Vegetarian.
7 more questionsFewer questions
What does it cost to cook?
Weeknight budget — about $8–16 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Frying pan, Stockpot, Mixing bowl.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at 1½ tsp.
How much sugar?
1 tsp of Sugar.
What can I use instead?
tomato (passata or canned chopped tomatoes) → passata or canned chopped tomatoes. Canned tomatoes are often better than pale fresh ones out of season. chilli (paprika or chilli flakes) → paprika or chilli flakes. Paprika is milder and sweeter. Add cayenne if you still want heat.
Any tips from this recipe?
Times on this listing were inferred from the imported method, not kitchen-tested.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.