17 Indian Dal Recipe Without Tomatoes Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Mar 29, 2024
If you have ever cooked an Indian meal, chances are you have used tomatoes in your dal recipe. However, what if you are out of tomatoes or simply want to try a different version of this classic dish? Look no further, because we have an authentic Indian dal recipe without tomatoes that will satisfy your taste buds and give you a new take on this beloved staple dish. This recipe is simple, flavorful, and perfect for those who may have allergies or dietary restrictions. Let's dive into the details of this delicious dish.
Indian-Style Red Lentils with Ginger (Red Lentil Dal)
Main Ingredients: Red Lentils, Ground Turmeric, Water, Grapeseed Oil
If you're looking for a twist on the classic dal recipe, this Indian-style red lentil dish is sure to impress. The addition of ginger adds a subtle spice and warmth to the dish, making it perfect for a cozy night in. To make this dish, simply cook red lentils with fragrant spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Serve with basmati rice and some naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal. For an extra kick of flavor, try adding some caramelized onions on top.
This recipe takes the traditional lentil dish to a whole new level with its unique blend of Indian spices. The lentils are cooked until soft and creamy, and then flavored with a combination of garam masala, cumin, and mustard seeds. The result is a flavorful and aromatic dish that pairs well with rice or roti. For an added touch, garnish with some fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
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Instant Pot Dal (Indian Lentil) Dal Tadka
Main Ingredients: Arhar Dal, Masoor, Green Lentil, Water, Turmeric
If you're short on time, this Instant Pot dal recipe is perfect for you. Simply toss all the ingredients into your pressure cooker and let it do the work for you. The result is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. For a twist on the traditional recipe, try using a mix of different lentils, such as split peas and mung beans.
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Dal Puri (Indian Fried Bread)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Oil, Salt, Water, Moong Dal, Ginger
This crispy and flaky Indian fried bread is a must-try for any dal lover. The dough is made with a combination of wheat flour and lentil flour, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. The bread is then fried until golden brown and served with a hot and spicy dal. To add an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some chaat masala on top before serving.
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Indian Moong Dal Khichdi
Main Ingredients: Butter, Red Onion, Coriander Seeds, Turmeric Powder
Khichdi is a popular comfort food in India, and this recipe takes it to the next level by incorporating moong dal. The lentils add a creamy and hearty texture to the dish, making it the perfect comfort food for a cold day. The dish is also flavored with a mix of spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, giving it a delicious and fragrant taste. For a vegetarian option, add some diced vegetables like carrots and peas to the dish.
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Spinach Dal
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Medium Onion, Garlic Cloves, Ginger, Cumin
This dish is a great way to incorporate more greens into your diet. The lentils are cooked until soft and then mixed with sautéed spinach, giving it a nutritious and flavorful twist. The dish is also flavored with a mix of spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, adding a delicious and aromatic touch. For a protein boost, add some diced tofu or paneer to the dish.
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Masoor Dal (Indian Red Lentils)
Main Ingredients: Red Lentils, Ghee, Red Chilis, Small Onion, Garlic
Masoor dal, also known as red lentils, is a staple in Indian cuisine. This simple and easy-to-make dish is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. The lentils are cooked with fragrant spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, resulting in a delicious and hearty dish that pairs well with rice or roti. For a creamier texture, try adding a splash of coconut milk to the dal.
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Instant Pot Lentil Dal (Indian Lentils)
Main Ingredients: Ghee, Yellow Onion, Minced Ginger, Garlic Cloves, Mild
This Instant Pot dal recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a quick and easy dinner. The lentils are cooked until soft and then flavored with a mix of spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander. The result is a flavorful and comforting dish that can be served with rice or roti. For a vegetarian option, add some diced vegetables like cauliflower or bell peppers to the dish.
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Vegan Indian Dal with Spinach
Main Ingredients: Yellow Split Peas, Water, Salt, Ground Turmeric, Chili
This vegan dal recipe is a great option for those following a plant-based diet. The lentils are cooked until soft and then mixed with sautéed spinach, giving it a nutritious and flavorful twist. The dish is also flavored with a mix of spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, adding a delicious and aromatic touch. For extra protein, add some diced tofu or tempeh to the dish.
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Dal Vada (Indian Lentil Fritters)
Main Ingredients: Bengal Gram, Moong Dal, Diced Onion, Green Chili
If you're in the mood for a tasty snack, these dal vadas are the perfect option. The lentils are ground into a batter and then mixed with onions, ginger, and spices before being deep-fried to perfection. The result is a crispy and flavorful fritter that pairs well with chutney or a yogurt dip. For a healthier option, try baking the vadas instead of frying them.
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Dal Paratha (Stuffed Indian Flat Bread)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Salt, Oil, Lukewarm Water, Chana
This stuffed paratha is a delicious and filling meal that is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The dough is made with a combination of wheat flour and lentil flour, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. The filling is made with a mix of spices, mashed potatoes, and lentils, making it a satisfying and flavorful dish. For an extra kick of heat, add some chopped green chilies to the filling.
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Roti (Buttery Indian Flatbread)
Main Ingredients: Bread Flour, Salt, Melted Butter, Water, Butter
Roti, also known as chapati, is a staple in Indian cuisine. This simple and easy-to-make flatbread is perfect for sopping up delicious dal or curries. The dough is made with a mix of wheat flour and lentil flour, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. The roti is then cooked on a hot griddle until golden brown and brushed with ghee for a delicious and buttery finish. For a healthier option, try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
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Huli/South Indian Dal with Vegetables
Main Ingredients: Gram Dal, Turmeric Powder, Ghee, Water, Vegetables, Red
This South Indian-style dal is a delicious and nutritious dish that is packed with flavorful vegetables. The lentils are cooked until soft and then mixed with a variety of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and green beans. The dish is also flavored with a mix of spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, adding a delicious and aromatic touch. For a heartier dish, serve with some steamed rice or quinoa.
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South Indian Cabbage Dal, Cabbage Kootu
Main Ingredients: Cabbage, Pigeon Peas, Pink Lentils, Turmeric, Curry
This South Indian-style dal is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. The lentils are cooked until soft and then mixed with sautéed cabbage, giving it a nutritious and flavorful twist. The dish is also flavored with a mix of spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, adding a delicious and aromatic touch. For a vegan option, substitute ghee with coconut oil.
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Indian Lentil Dal (Good & Cheap Cookbook)
Main Ingredients: Butter, Small Onion, Ground Cumin, Turmeric Powder
If you're on a budget, this dal recipe from the Good & Cheap cookbook is a must-try. It uses simple and affordable ingredients like lentils, onions, and spices to create a flavorful and hearty dish. The lentils are cooked until soft and then mixed with a blend of spices, resulting in a delicious and budget-friendly meal. For a twist on the traditional recipe, try adding some diced tomatoes for a tangy flavor.
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Dal Tadka (Indian Style Tempered Lentils)
Main Ingredients: Lentils, Mustard Seeds, Coriander Powder, Cumin Powder
This dal tadka recipe is a popular Indian dish that is full of flavor. The lentils are cooked until soft and then tempered with a mix of spices and herbs like cumin, mustard seeds, and curry leaves. The result is a fragrant and delicious dish that pairs well with rice or roti. For a creamier texture, add some coconut milk to the dal.
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Simple Toor Dal, South Indian Style
Main Ingredients: Toor Dal, Onion, Green Chili, Garlic, Mustard Seeds
This simple and easy-to-make dal is a staple in South Indian cuisine. The lentils are cooked with a variety of flavorful spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, giving it a delicious and aromatic taste. The dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, and pairs well with rice or roti. For added texture and flavor, try adding some chopped peanuts or cashews on top before serving.
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Crispy Indian Okra
Main Ingredients: Baby Okra, Fat, Cumin Seeds, Onion, Serrano Pepper
Okra, also known as bhindi, is a popular vegetable in Indian cuisine. This recipe takes the traditional vegetable and gives it a crunchy and flavorful twist. The okra is coated in a mix of spices and then fried until crispy and golden brown. The result is a delicious and addictive side dish that pairs well with dal or any Indian curry. For a healthier version, try baking the okra instead of frying it.
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Methi Palak Dal ~ Vegan Indian Lentil Stew
Main Ingredients: Moong Dal, Oil, Cumin, Mustard Seeds, Curry Leaves
If you're in the mood for a hearty and nutritious stew, this methi palak dal is the perfect option. The lentils are cooked until soft and then mixed with a variety of vegetables like spinach, fenugreek leaves, and tomatoes. The dish is also flavored with a mix of spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, giving it a delicious and complex flavor. For some added protein, try adding some diced tofu or paneer to the dish.
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Moong Dal: Vegetarian Indian Yellow Lentil Dhal
Main Ingredients: Mung Dal, Water, Turmeric, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Vegan
This moong dal recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy lentils. The lentils are cooked until soft and then mixed with a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The result is a flavorful and creamy dal that is perfect for a comforting meal. To add some texture, try topping the dal with some crispy fried onions or shallots.
The Secret to a Delicious Dal Without Tomatoes
Why Leave Out Tomatoes?
Many traditional Indian dal recipes use tomatoes for their tangy flavor and to add some acidity to the dish. However, some people may not enjoy the taste of tomatoes, or they may be allergic to them. In this case, leaving out tomatoes from the dal recipe is a great alternative. Plus, it allows the other spices and ingredients to shine through, giving your dal a unique and delicious flavor.
The Key Ingredients
To make this Indian dal without tomatoes, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of yellow lentils (also known as toor dal)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 inch of ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon of garam masala
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of ghee or oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
The Cooking Process
To start, rinse the lentils in cold water and let them soak for 15 minutes. Then, drain the water and add the lentils to a pot with 3 cups of water. Bring it to a boil and then let it simmer for 20 minutes until the lentils are soft and mushy.
In a separate pan, heat the ghee or oil over medium heat and add the cumin and mustard seeds. Let them sizzle for a few seconds before adding the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onions are translucent, then add the turmeric, coriander, garam masala, and salt. Cook for a few more minutes until the spices are fragrant.
Next, add the cooked lentils to the pan with the spices and mix everything together. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the dal is too thick, you can add some water to reach your desired consistency.
Serving and Enjoying Your Dal
Once the dal is ready, turn off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes. This will allow the flavors to fully develop. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with basmati rice or naan bread. You can also add some chopped green chilies for an extra kick.
This Indian dal without tomatoes is perfect for a comforting and hearty meal. The combination of spices, lentils, and onion and garlic flavors will leave you wanting more. Plus, it's a great way to switch up your dal game and try something new. Give this recipe a try and let us know how you like it!
Indian-Style Red Lentils with Ginger (Red Lentil Dal)
