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Moong Dal (Simple Andhra-Style Comfort Dal)

Easy moong dal recipe — light, healthy, quick to cook, and perfect with rice.
Prep Time5 minutes
Course: comfort meal (south Indian), everyday meal, lunch / dinner, Main Course, simple home-style main dish
Cuisine: Andhra Cuisine, Indian Home-Style, south indian
Servings: 5
Author: Sireesha

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup moong dal
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp turmeric
  • 4 tsp oil
  • ½ cup onion sliced
  • 2-3 tsp green chillies chopped
  • ½ tsp urad dal
  • ¼ tsp mustard seeds and cumin seeds
  • few curry leaves

Instructions

1. Cook the Dal

  • In a pot, add ¾ cup moong dal and rinse well.
  • Add enough water and bring it to a boil.
  • As it boils, gently remove the froth that forms on top.
  • Cook until the dal turns soft and mushy.
  • Add 1 tsp salt and ¼ tsp turmeric.
  • Mash the dal lightly using a pappu guthhi or wooden masher.
  • Keep it aside.

2. Prepare the Tadka

  • Heat 4 tsp oil in a small pan, add ½ tsp urad dal, ¼ tsp mustard seeds, ¼ tsp jeera, and a few curry leaves.
  • When the urad dal turns golden, add:½ cup sliced onions2–3 tsp chopped green chillies and a pinch of salt.
  • Sauté until the onions turn light golden.

Combine

  • Add this tadka directly into the cooked dal.
  • Mix well and simmer for 2 minutes so everything blends together.
  • Serve the dal hot with rice and any simple veggie fry like plantain, okra, potato, or tindora. It’s wholesome, quick, and perfect for everyday clean eating.

Notes

  1. Adjust the consistency by adding more or less water, depending on how thick you prefer the dal.
  2.  Adjust the green chillies based on your spice preference. 
  3. You can also add a little lemon juice at the end if you enjoy a slight tang.