Are you looking for a delicious, healthy, and easy weeknight dinner? Look no further! This Indian split pea recipe (also known as dal) is packed with flavor, nutrients, and is surprisingly quick to make. It's a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest, offering a comforting and satisfying meal that’s both budget-friendly and incredibly satisfying. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Get ready to experience the vibrant tastes of India with this simple yet flavorful dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup yellow split peas, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Bloom Spices: Add the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala to the pot. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This process, known as blooming, enhances the flavors of the spices.
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Add Peas and Broth: Stir in the rinsed split peas and vegetable broth (or water). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the peas are tender and have broken down slightly, creating a creamy consistency. If using tomatoes, add them during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
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Season and Serve: Once the peas are cooked, season with salt to taste. Stir in half of the chopped cilantro. Serve hot, garnished with the remaining cilantro.
Cooking Tips for the Best Indian Split Pea Soup:
- Soaking (Optional): Soaking the split peas for an hour or two before cooking can reduce cooking time and improve texture. However, it's not strictly necessary.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chili powder to your preference. For a milder dish, use less; for a spicier one, add more.
- Creamy Consistency: For an even creamier dal, you can use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup after cooking.
- Variations: Add other vegetables like carrots, spinach, or potatoes for added nutrition and flavor. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for extra brightness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: 10-15g
- Fiber: 8-10g
This delicious and healthy Indian split pea recipe is a perfect example of quick dinner ideas that don’t compromise on taste or nutrition. It's a versatile dish that can be easily adapted to your preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying meal! It's a great addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and best recipes. This healthy meal is sure to become a family favorite.