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Priya Krishna's Most Basic Dal

2 reviews
4.5 2
Flavorful microwave dal made in the glass Anyday dish, featuring lentils cooked with aromatic spices and herbs. This quick and easy recipe by Priya Krishna delivers a comforting and nutritious Indian dish, perfect for a satisfying meal.
Priya Krishna's Most Basic Dal
PT5M PT17M

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

17-18 mins
2 reviews

Free Time

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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 microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

One Dish Meals, Rice & Grains, cumin, dal, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Indian, Lentils, masoor dal, Priya Krishna, Deep Dish, whole One Dish Meals, Rice & Grains

What You’ll Need

What You’ll Need

The Medium Deep Dish

The best dish for 1-2 portions of grains, veggies, mac and cheese, ramen, and more.

The Anyhand Mitts

Handle hot Anyday dishes with care with these microwave mitts that double as trivets!
Try Anyday

Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

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Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

[[video-wattage]]

To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

700w

Recommended 

Dish

The Medium Deep Dish

Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup (50g) masoor dal (orange lentils)
  • 1½ cups (360ml) water
  • ½  teaspoon ground turmeric
  • ½  teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon ghee or olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 dried chiles
  • ½  pinch red chili powder
  • ¼  cup (.15oz) chopped fresh cilantro
  • ½  pinch asafetida (optional)

Preparation

  1. Place the lentils, water, turmeric, and salt into the Anyday dish.
  2. Cook uncovered in the microwave for 17-18 minutes, or until the liquid is fully evaporated and the lentils are soft but not mushy.
  3. Let the lentils rest with the lid on for 2 minutes. Then, stir in the lime juice and set aside.
  4. 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 minutes or until the seeds brown and sputter a bit.
  5. Stir in the dried chiles, red chili powder, and asafetida if using.
  6. Add the cumin seasoning to the cooked lentils and mix until fully incorporated.
  7. Garnish with chopped cilantro.

Serving suggestions & tips

  • Serve it over rice of enjoy as a garnish for other dishes.

Recipe notes

  • Find out more about Priya at priyakrishna.me
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.