Thalicha Paruppu (Dal Fry)

There is often confusion on what to cook for the day when we are in a hurry. This Dal recipe can clear the air and awaken taste buds within minutes. It is easy to prepare and delicious to relish. It can be served with rice or roti. Made out of lentils and tampered with ghee, leaves the taste lingering in your mouth. In my family, it is enjoyed with rice and fish fry, mutton varuval or even a papad and pickle.

Let’s start cooking and have a look at the ingredients first –

Ingredients –

Toor Dal – 1 Cup
Garlic – 4 to 5 cloves peeled
Tomatoes – 2 medium sized, cut into cubes
Onion- 1 medium sized
Green chilies – 2 or 3 as per your taste
Turmeric – ¼ Tsp
Ghee – 4 Tbsp
Mustard – 1 Tsp
Jeera – 1 Tsp
Asafoetida - a pinch
Curry leaves – 10 to 15 nos finely chopped
Red chili – 4 nos
Coriander – to garnish

Preparation -

• Soak dal for 20 to 30 mins first.
• Take soaked dal in a cooker, do not drain the water used for soaking. Use the same water to pressure cook the dal.
• Add tomatoes, green chilies, garlic and turmeric to it and pressure cook for 3 to 4 whistles for the dal to get mushy.
• Use a masher to smash dal.
• Take 4tbsp of ghee in a frying pan separately, Add mustard, once it splutters add jeera and let it roast to golden brown and then add a pinch of asafoetida.
• Add Onions, curry leaves, red chilies to it, once onions turn golden brown add the dal to it.
• Add salt to taste, bring it to boil. Garnish it with chopped coriander.
• Your easy peasy  Thalicha Paruppu is ready to serve now. Serve it hot with rice or roti.

Tip -  To cook dal quicker, soak dal in hot water for 10 to 15 mins.