Mushurir Dal

Masoor dal or Red Lentil Soup

In any Bengali household, the ubiquitous Mushurir Dal is very close to the heart. In its multitudes of variations, the change of the seasonings (Paanch Phoron/Kaalo Jeera/Methi/Jeera and Green Chillies/Whole Red Dry Chillies) gives it its different avatars. But the staple protein which the dal provides, folklore has it, that Mushurir Dal protein is more wholesome & nutritous than chicken or meat protein!!

Today's recipe has Paanch Phoron and Whole Red Dry Chillies as the seasoning.

And one of the nuances of typical family traits in cooking a particular dish....in my family, we DON'T add Holud/Haldi/Turmeric to Mushirir Dal!! Why? Frankly, I dont know....but I too follow this religiously!! ;)

Ingredients :-

-Mushurir dal aka Masoor Dal (Red lentil) : 100gm

-Whole dry red chillies : 2

-Paanch Phoron : 1 tsp

-Ginger : 3/4 tsp

-Chopped onions - 1 small onion

-Chopped Tomato : 1/2

-Green Chillies : 2-3

-Coriander Leaves for garnishing

-Salt to taste

-Mustard Oil/White Oil - 2 tbsp

Procedure :-

1. Put the washed dal in a pressure cooker. Add ginger, salt and 2 cups of water and pressure cook till 1 or 2 whistles blow.

2. Use a beater to ensure that there are no lumps.

3. Take the Oil in a wok and after it is hot season with 2 whole dry red chillies and Paanch Phoron.

4.Add the chopped onions and lightly fry.

5.Add chopped tomatoes.

6.Add the beaten Dal.

7.Check for salt and add water to make the dal of medium to light consistency (Mushurir Dal as eaten by Bengalis is of light consistency....paatla mushurir dal )

8.Bring to a boil

9.Add 2 slit green chillies and garnish with chopped Coriander Leaves.

The taste of this Dal reaches its maximum potential if eaten with hot steamed rice, with the juice of lemon squeezed and a green chilli rubbed into the dal-rice mix to give off a beautiful taste & aroma...

The speciality of this lentil recipe is that other than the Paanch Phoron (5 spice mix), it is a spice free, almost oil free dish, oozing with the goodness of Red Lentils.

This is my 2nd entry to the BLOG EVENT "LENTILS MELA" hosted by Ashwini's Spicy Cuisine. The logo for the event ..

This is also my 3rd entry to the event WYF:Cuisine. The logo for the event is..