Priya Krishna's Most Basic Dal
In the food pyramid of North Indian cuisine, dal sits at the base. Vibrantly spiced with turmeric, cumin, chile, and other traditional Indian spices (together known as chhonk), this lentil-based stew is a staple at any North Indian dinner table.
Priya's secret? "Make and add the chhonk just before you eat to ensure you'll taste the strongest ka-pow of spices and richness." This recipe was adapted from Priya's cookbook, Indian-ish: Recipes and Antics from a Modern American Family.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well.
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Product Size
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Small Dish
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Medium Shallow
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Large Shallow
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Medium Deep
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Large Deep
Prep Time
5 minsCook Time
15-17 minsFree Time
to look through old family photos
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup (50g) masoor dal (orange lentils)
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) water
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoons ghee or olive oil
- 1 teaspoons cumin seeds
- 1 dried chiles
- ½ pinch red chili powder
- ¼ cup (.15oz) chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ pinch asafetida (optional)
Preparation
- Place the lentils, water, turmeric, and salt into the Anyday dish.
- Cook uncovered in the microwave at Power Level 9✕
Certain foods cook best in the microwave at lower power levels.
Different microwaves have different settings. See your microwave manual (or look it up online) to learn how to change your microwave’s power level.
For many microwaves: enter the cook time, press the “Power” (or “Power Level”) button, and select a number between 1-10. Other microwaves may require selecting the Power Level first, and then entering the cook time.
Microwaves list power levels in different ways. Here’s a guide to help you adjust:
PL 10 = 100% = High (default)
PL 9 = 90% = High
PL 8 = 80% = Med-High
PL 7 = 70% = Med-High
PL 6 = 60% = Medium
PL 5 = 50% = Medium
PL 4 = 40% = Med-Low
PL 3 = 30% = Med-Low
PL 2 = 20% = Low
PL 1 = 10% = Low
You will know if the power level has been successfully changed if you hear periodic changes in the microwave’s tone after it begins cooking.
- Let the lentils rest with the lid on for 5 minutes. Then, stir in the lime juice and set aside.
- While the lentils rest, place the ghee and cumin seeds in another Anyday dish or other microwave-safe glass bowl. Cover and cook for 1-2 minute, or until the seeds brown and sputter a bit.
- Stir in the dried chiles, red chili powder, and asafetida if using.
- Add the cumin seasoning into the cooked lentils and mix until fully incorporated.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.