Olivia Carter
Arhar dal, also known as toor dal or pigeon pea lentils, is a popular staple in Indian cuisine. Traditionally, it is cooked on the stovetop for hours, but did you know that you can make delicious arhar dal in a microwave oven? Yes, you heard it right! This quick and easy method will save you time and effort, while still giving you the same flavors and textures that you love.
To make arhar dal in the microwave oven, you will need just a few basic ingredients: arhar dal, water, turmeric powder, salt, and ghee (clarified butter). The microwave oven will cook the dal to perfection, making it soft and creamy, without the need for constant supervision. It’s a convenient way to enjoy this nutritious and comforting dish.
So, if you’re ready to try something new and experiment with your microwave oven, this recipe is perfect for you. Whether you are a busy professional or a student living in a dorm, making arhar dal in the microwave oven is a game-changer. Get ready to enjoy a steaming bowl of delicious dal in no time!
Step-by-Step Guide: Making Arhar Dal in Microwave Oven
Step 1: Rinse the arhar dal thoroughly under running water to remove any impurities.
Step 2: Transfer the dal to a microwave-safe bowl and add water. For every cup of dal, add 3 cups of water.
Step 3: Place the bowl in the microwave oven and cook on high power for 5 minutes.
Step 4: After 5 minutes, remove the bowl from the microwave oven and give it a stir.
Step 5: Place the bowl back into the microwave oven and cook on high power for another 5 minutes.
Step 6: Repeat the process of stirring and cooking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the dal is soft and fully cooked.
Step 7: Once the dal is cooked, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
Step 8: Garnish the cooked dal with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or roti.
Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave oven. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Gather Ingredients and Equipment
Before you start making Arhar Dal in the microwave oven, gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup of Arhar Dal (split pigeon peas)
- 3 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon of oil or ghee
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt (or to taste)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
- Green chili, chopped (optional)
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
Make sure all the ingredients are readily available and properly measured to ensure a smooth cooking process. Additionally, you will need the following equipment:
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Microwave oven
- Cooking spoon
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater (for ginger)
- Garlic press (for mincing garlic)
Having all the ingredients and equipment prepared in advance will help you streamline the cooking process and ensure you have everything you need. Once you have gathered everything, you’re ready to start making delicious Arhar Dal in the microwave oven!
Prepare the Dal
To prepare arhar dal in the microwave oven, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup arhar dal (split pigeon peas)
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Chopped coriander leaves for garnishing (optional)
Here are the steps to prepare the dal:
- Wash the arhar dal thoroughly and soak it in water for about 30 minutes.
- Drain the water and transfer the dal to a microwave-safe bowl.
- Add 2 cups of water, oil, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt to the bowl.
- Stir the ingredients well to mix them evenly.
- Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap.
- Microwave the dal on high power for 8-10 minutes.
- Remove the bowl from the microwave oven and give it a good stir.
- Add garam masala and mix well.
- Cover the bowl again and microwave for another 2-3 minutes.
- Once done, let it sit in the microwave for a few minutes before removing it.
- Garnish with chopped coriander leaves, if desired.
- Your arhar dal is now ready to serve!
Note: Cooking time may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave oven. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Cook the Dal in Microwave Oven
Once you have soaked the arhar dal and prepared the tempering, it’s time to cook the dal in the microwave oven. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Drain the soaked arhar dal and rinse it under cold water.
Step 2: Transfer the dal into a microwave-safe bowl.
Step 3: Add water to the dal. The ratio of dal to water should be 1:2.
Step 4: Place the bowl in the microwave oven and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a microwave-safe plate.
Step 5: Cook the dal on high power for 10 minutes.
Step 6: After 10 minutes, remove the bowl from the microwave oven and give it a stir.
Step 7: Re-cover the bowl and cook the dal for another 10 minutes on high power.
Step 8: Repeat the process of stirring and cooking for 10 minutes until the dal is well cooked and tender.
Step 9: Once the dal is cooked, let it sit in the microwave oven for a couple of minutes to cool down before serving.
Note: The cooking time may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave oven. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
FAQ
What is arhar dal?
Arhar dal, also known as pigeon pea lentil, is a type of lentil commonly used in Indian cooking. It is a staple ingredient in many traditional recipes.
Why would I want to make arhar dal in a microwave oven?
Making arhar dal in a microwave oven can be a convenient option if you don’t have access to a stovetop or if you want to save time. It’s a quick and easy method that can yield delicious results.
Can I use a pressure cooker instead of a microwave oven?
Yes, you can use a pressure cooker to make arhar dal as well. The cooking time will be shorter compared to using a microwave oven. Just follow the instructions provided for using a pressure cooker to cook the dal.
