Arhar dal, is also known as Tuvar dal in certain parts of India and is commonly known around the world as split pigeon peas or yellow split peas. Pigeon peas contain high levels of protein and important amino acids like methionine, lysine, and tryptophan. It makes its way into various preparations such as puran polis, sambar, dal fry, dosas- to name a few.

This delicious dish has become an integral part of a common man’s healthy diet plan. Before I take you through the recipe, here is a short note on why you should include this lentil in your diet.

See More: Dal Tadka Recipe

Health Benefits of Arhar Dal:

Despite being a simple and humble lentil, it comes with loads of goodness that makes it ideal to be included in all types of diet.

• Good source of folic acid.
• Rich with minerals such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, and iron.
• Good source of B vitamins.
• Abundance of protein.
• Rich in dietary fiber.
• Important amino acids like methionine, lysine, and tryptophan.
• Zero cholesterol.
• Low levels of saturated fats.

A single serving of Tuvar dal gives you about 194 calories and provides you with 38% of your daily recommended dietary fiber. So, how to cook Arhar dal? Here is a simple and easy to follow recipe that anyone could try:

Preparation time: 30 minutes.

Cooking time: 30 minutes.

Serves: 4

See More: How To Make Masoor Dal

Ingredients:

• Arhar dal – 1 cup.
• Onion – 1 ,medium, finely chopped.
• Garlic – 6 cloves, finely minced.
• Ginger – 2 inch piece, finely grated.
• Green chilies – 2, split lengthwise.
• Cumin seeds – 1.5 tsp.
• Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp.
• Hing – a generous pinch.
• Salt – to taste.
• Curry leaves – 1 sprig.
• Coriander leaves – 2 tsp, finely chopped.
• Ghee/Clarified butter – 1 tbsp.
• Water – 2 cups.

How to Prepare Arhar Dal:

1. Wash the dal thoroughly two to three times in running water.
2. Soak the dal in 2 cups of clean cool water for about 30 minutes.
3. As the dal soaks, chop onions, garlic, and ginger. Slit green chilies and keep aside.
4. Chop coriander leaves, wash, and keep aside.
5. Wash curry leaves and keep aside.
6. Sprinkle turmeric powder on the soaked dal and pressure cook for about 4 to 5 whistles.
7. Wait until the pressure completely subsides.
8. Take out the cooked dal, mash well, and keep aside.
9. Keep a deep-frying pan on medium heat.
10. Add clarified butter, leaving ½ a teaspoon behind, to the pan and allow to turn hot.
11. Add cumin seeds.
12. As cumin seeds splutter, add chopped garlic, ginger, and slit green chilies.
13. Fry until ginger and garlic turns slightly brown.
14. Add onions and fry until it turns golden brown.
15. Add mashed dal and necessary salt.
16. Add water, if required, and allow dal to come to boil.
17. As dal starts boiling, lower the flame, and simmer for 2 minutes.
18. Add hing and curry leaves and boil for about 1 minute.
19. Add coriander leaves, rest of the clarified butter, and switch off the flame.

Serve hot with steamed rice or phulkas. How to make arhar dal is now as easy as, how to eat them!