Easy Yellow Moong Dal Recipe for You to Try

Moong Dal is one of the best protein-rich foods made with hulled and split yellow moong lentils. Moong Dal (yellow dal) is a nutritious Indian comfort food made delicious with a variety of spices. It is a staple dish in India and one of the most common sources of protein for vegetarians. Read to learn this easy yellow moong dal recipe and learn some interesting serving ideas.

Ingredients for Yellow Moong Dal

1. 1/2 cup moong dal (split and hulled mung lentils)
2. 1-inch ginger, finely chopped or grated
3. 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder 
4. 1/3 cup finely chopped onions or 1 medium-sized
5. 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes or 1 medium-sized
6. 1/3 teaspoon turmeric powder 
7. 1.5 cups water for pressure cooking
8. salt as required

For Tempering (Tadka) 

9. 2 to 3 tbsp Ghee or oil or butter
10. 1 tsp cumin seeds
11. 4 to 5 garlic cloves small to medium-sized, crushed lightly
12. 1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon Garam Masala
13. 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder 
14. 1 or 2 green chilli, slit or chopped
15. 1 pinch asafoetida (hing), optional

Method 

Step 1: First, rinse the moong lentils in water several times. Drain the lentils and keep them aside.

Step 2: Place the rinsed lentils, chopped onions, chopped tomatoes, and finely chopped ginger in a 3-liter stove-top pressure cooker. To the cooker, add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and water. Combine thoroughly.

Step 3: Cook for 5 to 6 whistles over medium heat until the moong lentils are tender. Step 4: Remove the lid and stir the dal after the pressure has subsided.

Step 5: If the dal appears too thick, add extra water and cook for 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Season with salt. Mix thoroughly and set aside. Check the flavour and, if necessary, add more salt.

Step 7: Heat the oil, ghee, or butter in a small saucepan. First, toast the cumin seeds.

Step 8: After that, add the garlic and green chilli and cook for a few seconds. Don’t let the garlic brown. Turn off the flame.

Step 9: Now stir in the garam masala, red chilli powder, and asafoetida. By turning off the burner earlier, the spice powders are not burnt.

Step 10: Stir quickly and pour the tempering mixture into the dal.

Step 11: Stir the dal and serve hot moong dal with steamed rice or chapatis.

Step 12: There is no need to garnish or add coriander leaves to the moong dal tadka because it tastes great as is. You can always garnish with coriander leaves if you wish. You can also add little lemon juice for a mild taste.

Tips to Enhance the Taste

1. Use unpolished lentils in any lentil dish for the best flavour and nutrition.
2. You can soak the moong lentils for 20 to 30 minutes if you like. Soaking them reduces cooking time.
3. The dish can be converted into a one-pot meal using either a stove-top pressure cooker or an instant pot. Sauté the spices and aromatics first, then add the lentils and water as needed. Cook on high pressure until done.
4. Adjust the number of hot spices and herbs, such as red chilli powder, ginger, garlic, and green chilies, to your liking.
5. Make sure the lentils are warm and mushy before serving. You can also change the consistency by adding more or less water.

Serving Ideas

Serve with dry sabzi and Indian bread such as chapati, tawa paratha, jowar roti, ragi roti, etc. For regular meals, you can serve it with plain steamed rice or jeera rice. For a complete dinner, serve with raita and chutney.

Nutritional Value in Yellow Moong Dal

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is yellow moong dal easy to digest?

A 100 g portion of cooked moong dal has around 6 g of protein. It also contains some vitamin E, C, and K. It is an important part of the Indian diet because it is light and easy to digest. Yellow dal has fewer carbs than other dals, becoming a healthier choice.

Q. How long can we keep moong dal?

Enjoy immediately or make as a meal prep by portioning cooled Moong Dal separately from the cooked rice in airtight containers and storing in the fridge for up to 5-6 days.

Q. What are the adverse effects of moong dal?

If not properly cleaned and sprouted, green moong dal has a high risk of bacterial growth, which can cause abdominal cramps and other problems in pregnant women. If you are sensitive to some beans, consuming moong dal on a daily basis may cause shortness of breath, itching, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

Q. Does yellow moong dal help heal constipation?

Moong dal may act as a probiotic and be beneficial for gut health, constipation, and the growth of beneficial bacteria.

Q. Is yellow moong dal acidic?

Moong beans are high in fibre and aid with digestion. They are also responsible for raising the overall metabolic rate. Fibre softens excrement, making it easier to move. This improves mobility and significantly decreases indigestion and acidity.