Welcome to this simple guide on making an Easy Moong Dal Amti, also known as Dal Kanda! If you love authentic Maharashtrian flavours but want something quick for lunch or dinner, this recipe is perfect for you. This tasty moong dal amti is light on the stomach, healthy, and requires basic pantry ingredients.
Unlike heavy curries, this easy moong dal amti recipe gets its rich flavour from a freshly crushed paste of garlic, ginger, dry coconut, and green chilli. The best part? You do not even need to soak the dal beforehand! With just 150 grams of moong dal and a few spices, you can make a comforting bowl of dal kanda that pairs perfectly with steamed rice, bhakri, or chapati.
Let us dive right into the ingredients and see how to prepare this delicious Maharashtrian moong dal amti in just a few simple steps!
Also Read: Perfect Mix Dal Recipe In Pressure Cooker | Quick Dal
Ingredients List:
- 150 grams moong dal (yellow lentil, washed)
- 1/2 ladle of cooking oil
- 1 small spoon mustard seeds
- 1 small spoon cumin seeds (jeera)
- 1 pinch asafoetida (hing)
- 8 to 10 curry leaves
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 1 medium tomato (finely chopped)
- 1 whole garlic pod
- 1/2 inch ginger
- 1/2 light green chilli
- 1 small piece of dry coconut
- 1/2 spoon kanda lasun masala
- 1 small spoon garam masala
- 1/4 spoon turmeric powder
- 1.5 glasses of warm water
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Step 1: To begin, prepare the fresh masala. In a mortar and pestle, crush the dry coconut, garlic, ginger, and green chilli into a coarse paste.
- Step 2: Heat 1/2 ladle of oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Step 3: Once the oil is hot, add 1 small spoon of mustard seeds, 1 small spoon of cumin seeds, 1 pinch of hing, and the curry leaves. Let them splutter.
- Step 4: Add the chopped 1 medium onion. Fry it until it turns golden brown.
- Step 5: Stir in the freshly crushed paste. Sauté for 1 minute to remove the raw smell.
- Step 6: Add the chopped 1 medium tomato and salt to taste. Cook for 1 minute until the tomato softens.
- Step 7: Add 1/4 spoon of turmeric powder, 1/2 spoon of kanda lasun masala, and 1 small spoon of garam masala. Mix well.
- Step 8: Add 150 grams of washed moong dal. Sauté the dal with the spices for 1 minute.
- Step 9: Pour 1.5 glasses of warm water into the pan and mix gently to combine all the flavours of your easy moong dal amti.
- Step 10: Let the dal kanda cook on low heat until the dal becomes soft. Do not cover the pan.
- Step 11: Once the dal is cooked to your liking, turn off the stove and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Also Read: Instant Mix Dal Varan Recipe: Quick & Easy Mixed Dal
Cooking Tips:
- Use warm water instead of cold water. Warm water speeds up the cooking process and maintains the temperature of the curry.
- For a smoother texture, you can cook the dal in a pressure cooker for 3 whistles instead of cooking it in an open pan.
- Adjust the water quantity based on how thick or thin you want your moong dal amti.
- Do not skip the freshly crushed dry coconut and garlic paste, as it gives this easy moong dal amti recipe its authentic Maharashtrian taste.
Variations:
- Spicy Version: Increase the green chilli quantity or add 1 spoon of red chilli powder along with the kanda lasun masala.
- Vegan Version: This recipe is already 100% vegan! Just ensure the oil you use is plant-based.
- Kids-Friendly Version: Skip the green chilli and use a very mild garam masala so it is not too spicy for little ones.
- Rich Version: Top the hot dal with 1 spoon of pure ghee before serving for extra flavour.
Serving Suggestions:
This easy moong dal amti recipe tastes best when served hot with steamed rice and a side of pickle or papad. You can also enjoy it with jowar bhakri, bajra bhakri, or soft chapatis. For a complete Maharashtrian meal, serve it alongside a dry vegetable sabzi like potato fry.
Also Read: Quick Dal Batata Recipe | Easy Lentil & Potato Curry
FAQs:
Q1: Do I need to soak the moong dal before cooking?
A: No, you do not need to soak it for this easy moong dal amti recipe. Just wash the 150 grams of dal thoroughly before adding it to the pan.
Q2: Can I use another type of dal?
A: Yes, you can use toor dal or masoor dal, but the authentic dal kanda taste comes from yellow moong dal. Toor dal will also require more time or a pressure cooker to soften.
Q3: What can I use if I do not have Kanda Lasun Masala?
A: If you do not have kanda lasun masala, you can mix 1/2 spoon of regular red chilli powder with 1/2 spoon of coriander powder as a quick substitute.
Q4: How long does it take to cook moong dal in an open pan?
A: It usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes on low heat for the moong dal to become soft and fully cooked.
Authentic Maharashtrian Moong Dal Amti Recipe
Ingredients
- 150 grams moong dal yellow lentil, washed
- 1/2 ladle of cooking oil
- 1 small spoon mustard seeds
- 1 small spoon cumin seeds jeera
- 1 pinch asafoetida hing
- 8 to 10 curry leaves
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 1 medium tomato finely chopped
- 1 whole garlic pod
- 1/2 inch ginger
- 1/2 light green chilli
- 1 small piece of dry coconut
- 1/2 spoon kanda lasun masala
- 1 small spoon garam masala
- 1/4 spoon turmeric powder
- 1.5 glasses of warm water
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: To begin, prepare the fresh masala. In a mortar and pestle, crush the dry coconut, garlic, ginger, and green chilli into a coarse paste.
- Step 2: Heat 1/2 ladle of oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Step 3: Once the oil is hot, add 1 small spoon of mustard seeds, 1 small spoon of cumin seeds, 1 pinch of hing, and the curry leaves. Let them splutter.
- Step 4: Add the chopped 1 medium onion. Fry it until it turns golden brown.
- Step 5: Stir in the freshly crushed paste. Sauté for 1 minute to remove the raw smell.
- Step 6: Add the chopped 1 medium tomato and salt to taste. Cook for 1 minute until the tomato softens.
- Step 7: Add 1/4 spoon of turmeric powder, 1/2 spoon of kanda lasun masala, and 1 small spoon of garam masala. Mix well.
- Step 8: Add 150 grams of washed moong dal. Sauté the dal with the spices for 1 minute.
- Step 9: Pour 1.5 glasses of warm water into the pan and mix gently to combine all the flavours of your easy moong dal amti.
- Step 10: Let the dal kanda cook on low heat until the dal becomes soft. Do not cover the pan.
- Step 11: Once the dal is cooked to your liking, turn off the stove and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
