Olivia Carter
Arhar dal, also known as toor dal or split pigeon peas, is a popular ingredient in Indian cuisine. It is often cooked in a pressure cooker to save time and effort. However, not everyone has a pressure cooker handy. Fortunately, you can still make delicious arhar dal without a pressure cooker. In this article, we will guide you through the process step by step.
First, you will need to soak the arhar dal in water for about 30 minutes. This will soften the dal and reduce the cooking time. While the dal is soaking, you can prepare the other ingredients. Chop one onion, two tomatoes, and a few garlic cloves. You can also add some ginger for extra flavor if you like.
Next, heat some oil or ghee in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and dried red chillies. Let them sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant. Then, add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent. This will take about 5 minutes. Add the chopped tomatoes, garlic, and ginger, and sauté for another 2 minutes.
Now, drain the soaked arhar dal and add it to the pot. Stir well to coat the dal with the onion and tomato mixture. Then, add water and season with salt, turmeric powder, and red chilli powder to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the dal simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the dal is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the dal from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Once the dal is cooked, you can garnish it with fresh coriander leaves and serve it with rice or roti. Arhar dal without a pressure cooker may take longer to cook, but the result is worth it. The dal will be creamy, flavorful, and perfect for a hearty meal. So, don’t let the absence of a pressure cooker stop you from enjoying this delicious dish.
Preparation for making Arhar Dal Without Pressure Cooker
Before starting the process of making Arhar Dal without a pressure cooker, it is important to prepare the ingredients and utensils needed for the recipe. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for making Arhar Dal:
- First, gather all the required ingredients. You will need:
- 1 cup of arhar dal (split pigeon peas)
- 3 cups of water
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee
- Salt to taste
- Coriander leaves for garnishing
- Next, wash the arhar dal thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. Soak the dal in water for about 15-20 minutes. This will help in cooking the dal faster.
- While the dal is soaking, chop the onion, tomatoes, and green chilies. Keep them aside in separate bowls.
- Heat oil or ghee in a deep-bottomed pan or kadai on medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds to the hot oil. Allow them to splutter.
- Add the chopped onion, green chilies, and a pinch of asafoetida to the pan. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.
- Add ginger-garlic paste to the pan and sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and mushy.
- Now, add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt to the pan. Mix well.
- Drain and add the soaked dal to the pan. Mix it with the masala.
- Add water to the pan. Bring it to a boil on high heat.
- Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the dal is cooked and soft.
- Check the consistency of the dal. If it is too thick, add some more water and mix well. Adjust the salt and spices according to your taste.
- Garnish the Arhar Dal with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- Your delicious Arhar Dal without a pressure cooker is now ready to be served!
With these simple steps, you can easily prepare Arhar Dal without the need for a pressure cooker. Enjoy this wholesome and nutrient-rich dal with rice, roti, or any Indian bread of your choice.
Soaking and Washing the Arhar Dal
Before you start cooking the arhar dal, it is important to soak and wash it properly. This step helps in removing any impurities and dirt from the lentils.
To soak the arhar dal, follow these steps:
Step 1: Measure the Dal
Take the desired amount of arhar dal that you want to cook and measure it using a measuring cup. It is recommended to use 1 cup of arhar dal for 4 servings.
Step 2: Rinse the Arhar Dal
Place the dal in a colander or sieve and rinse it under running water. Use your hands to gently rub the dal while rinsing to ensure that all the dirt and impurities are removed.
Step 3: Soak the Dal
Transfer the rinsed arhar dal to a bowl and add enough water to cover it completely. Let the dal soak for at least 30 minutes. Soaking the dal helps in softening it, reducing the cooking time, and making it easier to digest.
Note: If you have more time, you can also soak the dal for a few hours or overnight for better results.
Step 4: Rinse Again
After soaking, drain the water from the dal and rinse it again under running water. This step helps in removing any leftover dirt and also removes some of the gas-causing compounds from the dal.
Step 5: Drain Well
Ensure that the arhar dal is properly drained before using it for cooking. Excess water can affect the consistency and taste of the final dish.
Now that you have soaked and washed the arhar dal, you are ready to start cooking it using the stovetop method.
Cooking the Arhar Dal
To cook the arhar dal without a pressure cooker, follow these steps:
- Start by rinsing the dal thoroughly with water to remove any impurities.
- In a deep saucepan, add the rinsed dal and enough water to cover it by about an inch. Let it soak for about 30 minutes.
- After soaking, drain the water and add fresh water to the dal in the saucepan.
- Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat and bring the dal to a boil.
- Once the dal starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a lid.
- Allow the dal to simmer for about 40-45 minutes until it becomes soft and mushy.
- While the dal is cooking, you can prepare the tempering. In a separate small pan, heat ghee or oil over medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds, dried red chillies, and curry leaves to the hot ghee or oil. Fry for a minute until the cumin seeds start spluttering.
- Add chopped onions and cook until they turn golden brown.
- Next, add the cooked dal to the tempering and mix well.
- Let the dal simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.
- Finally, season the dal with salt, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and garam masala according to your taste preferences.
Your homemade arhar dal is now ready to be served. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or roti.
Tempering the Arhar Dal
Once the arhar dal is well-cooked and soft, it’s time to add the tempering to enhance its flavor. Tempering, also known as tadka, is a technique used in Indian cooking to infuse the dal with aromatic flavors. Here’s how to temper the arhar dal:
Ingredients:
| 2 tablespoons ghee |
| 1 teaspoon cumin seeds |
| 1 teaspoon mustard seeds |
| 1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic |
| 1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger |
| 2-3 dried red chilies |
| 8-10 curry leaves |
| 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder |
Instructions:
- Heat ghee in a pan over medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds to the hot ghee. Let them splutter.
- Add finely chopped garlic and ginger. Saute until they turn golden brown.
- Break the dried red chilies into pieces and add them to the pan along with curry leaves. Saute for a few seconds until the chilies become fragrant.
- Reduce the heat to low and add turmeric powder to the pan. Be careful not to burn the turmeric.
- Immediately pour the tempering mixture into the cooked arhar dal. Stir well to combine.
- Let the dal simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Your tempered arhar dal is now ready to be served.
Tempering the arhar dal adds a burst of flavors to the dish and takes it to the next level. The combination of spices and aromatics in the tempering elevates the taste and aroma of the dal. Serve it hot with steamed rice or roti for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Garnishing the Arhar Dal
Once the arhar dal has been cooked and is ready to be served, garnishing can add a touch of freshness and enhance the overall presentation of the dish.
To garnish your arhar dal, you can follow these simple steps:
1. Fresh Coriander: Finely chop some fresh coriander leaves. Sprinkle them over the top of the dal just before serving. The green color and the earthy aroma of coriander will add a burst of flavor to the dish.
2. Lemon Juice: Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the dal. This will not only add a tangy flavor but also help to balance the overall taste of the dish.
3. Tempering: Heat a small amount of oil or ghee in a small pan. Add some mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and dried red chillies. Allow them to splutter. Drizzle this tempering over the dal to add a smoky and aromatic flavor.
4. Onion Rings: Thinly slice a red onion and separate the rings. Lightly sauté the onion rings in a little oil until they become slightly translucent. Place the sautéed onion rings on top of the dal to add a sweet and crunchy texture.
5. Ghee: Drizzle some melted ghee over the dal just before serving. This will impart a rich and buttery flavor to the dish.
Remember, garnishing is all about adding visual appeal and enhancing taste. Feel free to experiment with your own garnishing ideas to make your arhar dal look and taste even more appetizing!
Serving the Arhar Dal
Once the arhar dal is cooked to perfection, it is ready to be served. Here are some serving suggestions:
1. Plain Rice and Roti
The traditional way to serve arhar dal is with plain steamed rice and roti. The dal can be poured over the rice and eaten with a side of roti. This combination makes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
2. Jeera Rice
If you want to add some flavor to your arhar dal, you can serve it with jeera rice. Jeera rice is a simple rice dish made by tempering cooked rice with cumin seeds. The earthy flavors of the cumin seeds complement the dal perfectly.
3. Vegetable Pulao
For a more elaborate meal, you can serve the arhar dal with vegetable pulao. Vegetable pulao is a fragrant rice dish made with basmati rice, mixed vegetables, and aromatic spices. The combination of the dal and pulao creates a balanced and nutritious meal.
When serving the arhar dal, you can garnish it with some fresh coriander leaves or a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness. You can also serve it with a side of pickles or yogurt to enhance the flavors.
To accommodate different dietary preferences, you can serve the arhar dal with gluten-free options like quinoa or millet roti. Additionally, you can add a dollop of ghee or butter on top of the dal for a richer and creamier texture.
Remember to adjust the serving sizes according to the number of people you are serving. Feel free to experiment with different combinations and flavors to create your own unique way of enjoying the arhar dal.
Enjoy your meal!
FAQ
Can I make arhar dal without a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can make arhar dal without a pressure cooker. There are alternative methods like using a regular pot or a slow cooker to cook it.
What are the alternative methods to cook arhar dal without a pressure cooker?
The alternative methods to cook arhar dal without a pressure cooker are using a regular pot on the stove or a slow cooker. Both these methods require a longer cooking time compared to a pressure cooker.
How long does it take to cook arhar dal without a pressure cooker?
The cooking time to make arhar dal without a pressure cooker varies depending on the method you choose. If you are using a regular pot on the stove, it may take around 40-45 minutes. If you are using a slow cooker, it may take 3-4 hours on high heat or 6-8 hours on low heat.
