When Winters warm up in Karachi, the love is in the food. But you don’t have to always go the Hot Chocolate or Coffee way. Sometimes, love is in the simple things – not the Nihaari, Paya, or even the Qeemay wala Naan. Love is in crispy hot Tandoori Naan with Daal Fry and a sprinkle of fresh greens to complete the ultimate comfort meal!
And we have the recipe for you!
Dhaaba Style Daal Fry Ingredients:
- Vegetable oil: 2-4 Tablespoons (or more if you prefer)
- Ginger/Garlic in a paste, or freshly sliced thin: 1-2 tsp
- Channay ki Daal: 1 cup (preferably soaked in water overnight)
- Moong Daal: 1 cup (soaked in water, one hour)
- Tomatoes: 2, chopped.
- Onion: 1 large or 2 medium – finely sliced
- Saabut Zeera (Whole Cumin): 2 tsp
- Zeera (Cumin) powder: 2-3 tsp
- Haldi (Turmeric) powder: 1 tsp
- Chilli powder/ or kutti wi laal mirach: 1-2 tsp
- Dhania (Coriander) powder: 2-3 tsp
- Salt: As per taste
For Dhaaba Style Daal Fry Garnish:
Chopped coriander leaves, green chillies, finely sliced red onion, lemon slices. Garam masala powder (Optional)
Method:
Heat the oil and saute the onions till light brown. Add in the saabut zeera till you get a roasted aroma, then add in chopped tomatoes and all the dry spices. saute well and cover. Cook on low heat till the tomatoes break down – maybe about 5-7 minutes.
Drain the water from the channay ki daal and add it in. Stir well, and add enough water to cover the daal, not too much. Cover and cook on medium heat for about 30 minutes to an hour or till daal is half done. The lentils will be softer to the touch. Add in the moong daal now (drained) and add salt as per taste. Add some water as requires, not too much. Daal fry does not have a watery consistency, you should be able to feel the texture of the daals.
Cover and cook for another 30 minutes or till both daals are cooked through. (the lentil should have split).
Taste and adjust salt if needed. Add a sprinkle of garam masala powder (optional) and garnish with the greens and sliced red onion. Serve with crispy hot naan and a slice of lemon on the side!
You won’t miss the meat in this one!
