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Masoor Dal Pulao

Masoor Dal Pulao

Print Recipe
One-pot red lentil and rice pilaf with spices.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • This isn’t biryani.
  • It’s not heavy.
  • But it’s full of flavor, full of comfort — and always welcome with curd or a crunchy papad on the side.
  • 🛒 What You’ll Need (Serves 2–3):
  • 1 cup basmati rice, washed and soaked
  • ½ cup whole masoor dal (brown/red lentils), soaked 30 mins
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 2–3 green chilies, slit
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • ½ tsp garam masala
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp oil or ghee
  • Whole spices:
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 small cinnamon stick
  • 2 cloves
  • 1 cardamom
  • ½ tsp jeera (cumin seeds)

Instructions

  • Sauté the Base
  • Heat oil or ghee in a pressure cooker or deep pan. Add whole spices and jeera.
  • Add sliced onions, sauté till golden. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies.
  • Add Tomatoes ' Spices
  • Stir in chopped tomatoes, turmeric, coriander powder, salt. Cook till tomatoes soften.
  • Add Rice ' Dal
  • Drain soaked rice and masoor dal. Add to the pan. Stir gently to coat with masala.
  • Cook It Together
  • Pressure cooker: 2 whistles
  • Pot: Simmer covered for 15–18 mins
  • Let rest for 5 mins. Fluff gently with a fork.
  • Serve Warm
  • With raita, pickle, papad, or just a drizzle of ghee.