Picture this: you’ve just come home after a long day, and all you want is a warm, comforting meal that nourishes your body and soul. Enter the split green moong dal recipe, an instant pot delight that is not only healthy but incredibly tasty. This delicious Indian cuisine is a staple in many households and is made from whole green gram, also known as sabut moong dal or chilke wali moong dal. Today, we’re going to take you on a gastronomic journey, exploring this delightful dish that’s packed with nutrition and flavor.
The Magic of Green Moong Lentils
Green moong lentils, also known as whole green gram or chilka moong dal, are an integral part of food in Indian cuisine. They are a type of small, green beans, that are split to reveal the yellow interior, hence the name split moong dal. This protein-rich lentil is a favorite in many Indian households and is often combined with aromatic Indian spices to create mouth-watering dal recipes.
Comfort Food with a Healthy Twist
What makes our split green moong dal recipe a comfort food is its simplicity. Cooked lentils are tempered with simple spices like mustard seeds, red chili powder, and coriander powder, then cooked to perfection in an instant pot. This mung dal delight is a comforting lentil curry that’s not just satisfying but also loaded with nutrients. And the amazing thing is, you can find most of these ingredients in your local whole foods or Indian grocery stores.
Cooking with an Instant Pot
Our split green moong dal recipe involves using an instant pot. This versatile kitchen gadget has made cooking Indian cuisine like this whole moong dal a breeze. Whether you’re trying it for the first time or you’re a seasoned pro, the instant pot ensures the dal is cooked under high pressure, reducing the cooking time significantly. Just remember to allow the pressure release naturally for the best results.
The Art of Tempering
Tempering, in the context of Indian cuisine, involves frying aromatic Indian spices in hot oil or ghee in a small pan or a small thick-bottomed pan. This technique is used in many dal recipes, including our split green moong dal recipe. Spices like cumin seeds, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and red chillies are usually added to the hot oil, releasing their flavors into the oil. The tempered oil is then added to the cooked dal, elevating its flavor to another level.
Serving Suggestions for the Perfect Meal
Our split green moong dal recipe can be served in different ways. You can enjoy it with plain rice or jeera rice for a hearty meal. It also pairs well with Indian flatbread like roti or naan. And the next time you’re craving some dal, don’t forget to garnish it with some fresh coriander leaves for an extra kick of flavor.
Try Different Variations
That’s the beauty of this split green moong dal recipe – it’s incredibly versatile. You can experiment with different spices and ingredients to create a different flavor each time. Try adding a dash of garam masala for a warm, spicy flavor, or stir in some lemon juice for a tangy twist. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try substituting the green moong dal with yellow moong dal, chana dal, or whole mung beans for a different texture and taste.
Health Benefits of Green Moong Dal
Aside from its delicious taste, the split green moong dal recipe is also packed with health benefits. Green moong dal is high in protein, fiber, and antioxidants, making it an excellent choice for those on a calorie diet or a medically restrictive diet. It’s also a good source of iron, potassium, and B vitamins, contributing to your daily values for these essential nutrients. So the next time you’re looking for a nutritious, comforting meal, remember this instant pot mung dal delight.
Conclusion: Savor the Splendid Split Green Moong Dal Recipe
There you have it – a simple yet flavorful split green moong dal recipe that you can whip up in your instant pot. Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or trying it for the first time, this mung dal delight is sure to win you over. It’s comforting, nutritious, and versatile – truly a dish worth trying. So go ahead, get your instant pot ready, gather your ingredients, and prepare to be amazed by this humble yet hearty dish.
Hearty Split Green Moong Dal Recipe
Experience the warm, comforting, and nutritious goodness of split green moong dal. Native to India, this dish is a staple in every Indian household. It's packed full of protein, making it an excellent choice for a vegan or vegetarian diet.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of split green moong dal
- 3 cups of water
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1 inch ginger, finely chopped
- 1 green chili, finely chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing
Instructions
- Rinse the split green moong dal under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a pressure cooker, add the washed dal, water, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook it over medium heat for about 2-3 whistles or until the dal becomes soft.
- While the dal is cooking, heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
- Add the finely chopped onion, garlic, ginger, and green chili (if using). Sauté until the onions become translucent.
- Add the chopped tomatoes. Cook until they become soft and the oil starts separating from the mixture.
- Add the red chili powder and garam masala to the pan and stir well.
- Once the dal is cooked, add the sautéed mixture to the dal. Stir well and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes for the flavors to blend.
- Finally, garnish your split green moong dal with fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve it hot with rice or flatbread of your choice.
Notes
Serve this dish hot for the best taste. You can also add a dollop of ghee or butter for added flavor.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 210Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 410mgCarbohydrates: 30gNet Carbohydrates: 22gFiber: 8gSugar: 3gSugar Alcohols: 0gProtein: 14g