Khatti Dal Recipe – Moong Masoor Dal Fry

Hyderabadi Khatti Dal is a quintessential dish from the royal kitchens of Hyderabad, blending the richness of lentils with the tangy zest of tamarind. This simple yet flavorful dish is a staple in Hyderabadi households, often served with steamed rice and a dollop of ghee. If you’re looking to bring authentic Hyderabadi flavors to your table, this Khatti Dal recipe is a must-try.

Khatti Dal Recipe – Moong Masoor Dal Fry is a delightful and comforting meal that originates from Hyderabadi cuisine. This simple dal recipe is made using Arhar dal, also known as yellow pigeon pea. Pair it with Jeera rice or cumin rice for a heavenly combination. In my opinion, dal rice is the ultimate comfort food.

In this post, I will walk you through the step-by-step process of making this tangy lentil curry, share tips for perfecting the recipe.

What is Hyderabadi Khatti Dal?

The word “Khatti” translates to “tangy” in Urdu, perfectly describing the defining characteristic of this dish. Hyderabadi Khatti Dal is made with toor dal (pigeon peas) cooked until soft and infused with tamarind pulp, giving it a unique tangy flavor. A medley of aromatic spices and a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and garlic elevate this dish to a flavorful masterpiece.

This dal is not just a comfort food; it’s a cultural emblem of Hyderabad’s rich culinary heritage. Often served with steamed rice and a side of crispy papad, it’s a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Ingredients for Hyderabadi Khatti Dal

To make this authentic Hyderabadi Khatti Dal, you will need:

Lentils:

• Lentils: toor dal (pigeon peas), tamarind pulp
• Spices: turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder
• Tempering: ghee, mustard seeds, cumin seeds, red chilies, curry leaves, Fresh coriander leaves (chopped)

Step-by-Step Recipe for Hyderabadi Khatti Dal

Step 1: Cook the Lentils

1. Rinse the toor dal thoroughly under running water.
2. In a pressure cooker, add the rinsed dal, 3 cups of water, and turmeric powder.
3. Cook on medium heat for 3-4 whistles or until the dal is soft and mushy. If using a pot, cook until the dal is tender, which may take 30-40 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Tamarind Extract

1. Soak tamarind pulp in 1/2 cup of warm water for 10 minutes.
2. Mash the tamarind to extract its juice and strain to remove any fibers or seeds.

Step 3: Combine the Dal and Tamarind

1. Transfer the cooked dal to a large pot.
2. Add the tamarind extract, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt.
3. Simmer the mixture on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Prepare the Tempering

1. Heat oil or ghee in a small pan.
2. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add cumin seeds, dried red chilies, curry leaves, and crushed garlic. Sauté until the garlic turns golden brown.
4. Pour this tempering over the simmering dal and mix well.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish the dal with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
2. Serve hot with steamed rice, papad, or parathas.

Tips for Making the Best Hyderabadi Khatti Dal

• Balance the Tanginess: Adjust the amount of tamarind to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder tang, reduce the tamarind pulp.
• Consistency Matters: For a thicker dal, reduce the amount of water while cooking. For a thinner, soupy texture, add more water during simmering.
• Use Fresh Tamarind: Fresh tamarind pulp enhances the flavor compared to store-bought concentrates.
• Enhance the Flavor: Adding a pinch of jaggery balances the tanginess and adds depth to the dish.

It is super healthy and nutritious with the goodness of vitamins, calcium and iron. If you are looking for a low GI Indian dish, Dal tadka or dal fry is naturally low GI and high fibre option.  Together with Rice, it makes a great gluten-free meal option.

Serving Suggestions

Hyderabadi Khatti Dal pairs wonderfully with:

• Steamed Rice: The classic combination of dal and rice is unbeatable. Add a dollop of ghee for extra flavor.
• Bagara Rice: A mildly spiced rice dish that complements the tangy dal.
• Parathas or Rotis: For a North Indian twist, serve the dal with soft parathas or chapatis.
• Crispy Papad: The crunch of papad adds a delightful texture to the meal.

This wholesome dish is low in fat and high in plant-based protein, making it a healthy option for any meal.

More Such Recipes

• Dal fry Recipe 
• Punjabi Dal Palak Recipe
• Restaurant Quality Dal Makhani in Pressure cooker 
• Instant Pot Dal Makhani
• Lagar Wali Dal
• Gujarati Khatti Dal Recipe
• Sindhi Dal Pakwan
• Green Moong Dal – Sabut Moong Dal Recipe

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