Are you looking for a quick, comforting, and delicious meal? This Mix Dal Varan Recipe is exactly what you need! Traditionally, making dal involves boiling the lentils first and then preparing the tempering separately. But today, I am sharing a super-easy and instant method to make a flavourful Mixed Dal without the hassle of pre-boiling!
This simple Varan Recipe uses a nutritious blend of Toor Dal (pigeon pea), Masoor Dal (red lentil), and Moong Dal (yellow lentil). It is a beginner-friendly, one-pot dish that gets ready in a pressure cooker in no time. Whether you are a busy professional, a student, or just craving a warm bowl of homestyle food, this instant mixed dal will quickly become your favourite. Pair it with steaming hot rice, and you have the ultimate comfort food ready in minutes!
Also Read: Authentic Matki Chi Dal Amti Recipe | Moth Bean Dal
Ingredients List
- ½ cup Toor Dal (Pigeon Pea Lentils)
- ¼ cup Masoor Dal (Red Lentils)
- 2 tablespoons Moong Dal (Yellow Lentils)
- 1-2 tablespoons Oil (or Ghee for better flavour)
- 1 teaspoon Mustard Seeds (Rai)
- 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds (Jeera)
- A pinch of Asafoetida (Hing)
- 7-8 Garlic cloves (lightly crushed)
- 1 sprig of Curry Leaves
- 3 Green Chillies (chopped)
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric Powder (Haldi)
- 1 small Tomato (chopped)
- Salt to taste
- 1.5 glasses of Water (warm or room temperature)
- Fresh Coriander Leaves (chopped for garnish)
Step-by-step Instructions
- Step 1: Prep the Lentils. First, soak the Toor Dal in water for about 15 minutes to help with digestion. After 15 minutes, mix the Masoor Dal and Moong Dal with it, wash all three lentils thoroughly, and set them aside.
- Step 2: Start the Tempering. Place a pressure cooker on medium heat and add oil (or ghee). Once hot, add mustard seeds and cumin seeds, letting them splutter.
- Step 3: Add Aromatics. Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing), followed by the lightly crushed garlic cloves. Sauté until the garlic turns lightly golden, then add the curry leaves and chopped green chillies.
- Step 4: Add Spices and Tomato. Stir in the turmeric powder for a beautiful colour. Add the chopped tomato and sauté for a minute until it softens slightly. Add salt to taste.
- Step 5: Mix the Dal. Add the washed mixed lentils into the cooker. Mix everything nicely so the dal is perfectly coated with the spices.
- Step 6: Add Water. Pour in about 1.5 glasses of water (adjust depending on how thick or thin you want your Mix Dal Varan Recipe to be). Bring it to a slight boil.
- Step 7: Pressure Cook. Add fresh chopped coriander leaves to the boiling dal. Close the pressure cooker lid. Turn the gas to a low flame and cook for 3 whistles.
- Step 8: Serve. Let the cooker cool completely before opening. Your delicious, hotel-style Mix Dal Varan is ready to be enjoyed!
Also Read: Kairiche Varan Recipe | Maharashtrian Raw Mango Dal
Cooking Tips
- Soak for better digestion: Soaking the Toor dal for 10-15 minutes helps prevent acidity and makes it cook much faster.
- Adjust water: If you prefer a soup-like consistency, add a little more warm water after opening the cooker. For a thicker dal, use less water.
- Ghee makes it better: While oil works great, using ghee for the tempering takes the flavour of this Mixed Dal to a whole new level!
- Whistle count: If you are in a rush and skip soaking the dal, increase the cooking time to 4 whistles on a low flame to ensure it is fully cooked.
Variations
- Vegan Version: Simply use a neutral cooking oil instead of ghee for your tempering.
- Spicy Version: Add half a teaspoon of red chilli powder along with the turmeric, or add extra chopped green chillies to give it a fiery kick.
- Kids-Friendly Version: Skip the green chillies entirely, or use just one whole green chilli (without chopping) for a mild flavour without the intense heat.
Serving Suggestions
This comforting Mixed Dal pairs best with steaming hot Basmati rice (creating the classic, cosy Dal Chawal combo). You can also serve it alongside warm rotis, chapatis, or bhakri. For a complete and satisfying meal, serve it with a side of crispy papad, a spoonful of Indian mango pickle (achar), and a fresh onion and lemon salad!
Also Read: Quick Dal Batata Recipe | Easy Lentil & Potato Curry
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I need to pre-boil the lentils for this Mix Dal Varan Recipe?
A: No! The best part about this recipe is that it is an easy one-pot method. You will temper and cook the dal simultaneously in the pressure cooker.
Q: Why do we need to soak the Toor Dal?
A: Soaking Toor Dal for 10-15 minutes helps neutralise its gas-producing properties (pitta) and ensures the dal cooks evenly and quickly.
Q: Can I use only one type of dal for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use just Toor dal or Moong dal. However, combining three different lentils gives this Mixed Dal recipe a richer, more unique flavour and a wonderful creamy texture.
Q: What if I forgot to soak the dal?
A: No problem at all! Just wash the lentils and proceed with the recipe. You will just need to pressure cook the dal for 4 whistles instead of 3 on a low flame.
Q: How long does this Mixed Dal stay fresh?
A: You can store any leftover dal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat it in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water if it becomes too thick.
Instant Mix Dal Varan Recipe: Quick & Easy Mixed Dal
Ingredients
- ½ cup Toor Dal Pigeon Pea Lentils
- ¼ cup Masoor Dal Red Lentils
- 2 tablespoons Moong Dal Yellow Lentils
- 1-2 tablespoons Oil or Ghee for better flavour
- 1 teaspoon Mustard Seeds Rai
- 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds Jeera
- A pinch of Asafoetida Hing
- 7-8 Garlic cloves lightly crushed
- 1 sprig of Curry Leaves
- 3 Green Chillies chopped
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric Powder Haldi
- 1 small Tomato chopped
- Salt to taste
- 1.5 glasses of Water warm or room temperature
- Fresh Coriander Leaves chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep the Lentils. First, soak the Toor Dal in water for about 15 minutes to help with digestion. After 15 minutes, mix the Masoor Dal and Moong Dal with it, wash all three lentils thoroughly, and set them aside.
- Step 2: Start the Tempering. Place a pressure cooker on medium heat and add oil (or ghee). Once hot, add mustard seeds and cumin seeds, letting them splutter.
- Step 3: Add Aromatics. Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing), followed by the lightly crushed garlic cloves. Sauté until the garlic turns lightly golden, then add the curry leaves and chopped green chillies.
- Step 4: Add Spices and Tomato. Stir in the turmeric powder for a beautiful colour. Add the chopped tomato and sauté for a minute until it softens slightly. Add salt to taste.
- Step 5: Mix the Dal. Add the washed mixed lentils into the cooker. Mix everything nicely so the dal is perfectly coated with the spices.
- Step 6: Add Water. Pour in about 1.5 glasses of water (adjust depending on how thick or thin you want your Mix Dal Varan Recipe to be). Bring it to a slight boil.
- Step 7: Pressure Cook. Add fresh chopped coriander leaves to the boiling dal. Close the pressure cooker lid. Turn the gas to a low flame and cook for 3 whistles.
- Step 8: Serve. Let the cooker cool completely before opening. Your delicious, hotel-style Mix Dal Varan is ready to be enjoyed!
