Santre Wali Dal Dal With Oranges Recipe

Hey foodies, brace yourselves for a vibrant culinary journey with my zesty and aromatic Santre Wali Dal! Bursting with the warm spice of traditional Indian flavors and a citrusy twist of fresh orange, this dish is a game-changer for your weeknight dinner. 🍊✨

I love creating dishes that catch the palate by surprise, and Santre Wali Dal is a perfect instance of that. The combination of split red lentils and just a touch of fresh orange juice makes for a delightful and nutritious dish.

Spices like cumin and turmeric add the warmth you want in a good dal, but orange segments really liven things up.

Santre Wali Dal Dal With Oranges Recipe Ingredients

• Split Red Lentils (Masoor Dal): Packed with protein and fiber, essential for a healthy diet.
• Oranges: Provide a burst of Vitamin C and add a juicy, sweet-tart flavor.
• Turmeric Powder: Rich in antioxidants, gives a vibrant color and earthy aroma.
• Ginger: Offers anti-inflammatory properties and a warm, spicy flavor.
• Garlic: Enhances immune defense and adds a pungent depth to the dish.
• Garam Masala: A warming spice blend that adds complexity and depth.
• Cilantro: Fresh and herbal, it brightens the dish with its citrusy notes.

Santre Wali Dal Dal With Oranges Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup split red lentils (masoor dal), rinsed
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or ghee
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt, to taste
• 1 orange, juiced
• 1/4 cup fresh orange segments, chopped
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)

How to Make this Santre Wali Dal Dal With Oranges Recipe

1. Place split red lentils and 2 cups of water in a pot. Bring them to a boil and then reduce the heat. Let them simmer until they are tender. This should take about 15-20 minutes.

2. In a different saucepan, warm the oil or ghee on medium heat. Sprinkle in the cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Allow them to pop and crackle for about 30 seconds.

3. Incorporate the minced onion, garlic, ginger, and green chili. Sauté until the onion has achieved a golden brown hue.

4. Mix in the turmeric powder, the coriander powder, the red chili powder, and a small amount of asafoetida. Cook for one more minute, letting the spices mingle.

5. Add the spice blend to the lentils and stir well. Then, salt to taste!

6. Add the orange juice to the dal and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld.

7. Gently mix in the fresh orange segments.

8. Dust the garam masala over the dal and mix it in.

9. Remove the heat and mix in the lemon juice to add a touch of brightness.

10. Chop cilantro and use it to garnish. Serve the Santre Wali Dal hot. Enjoy its flavor!

Santre Wali Dal Dal With Oranges Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Pot with lid
2. Saucepan
3. Measuring cups
4. Measuring spoons
5. Wooden spoon or spatula
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Grater (for ginger)
9. Citrus juicer or reamer
10. Mixing spoon
11. Serving bowl or dish

FAQ

• What is Santre Wali Dal?– Santre Wali Dal is a one-of-a-kind, tasty Indian lentil dish that uses fresh orange juice and segments to provide a citrusy twist on what is usually a very dense, unctuous dish.
• Can I use other lentils instead of red lentils?– Yes, you can replace red lentils with other kinds, like yellow moong dal or toor dal, though their cooking times may vary slightly.
• Is the green chili necessary?Mild heat is provided by the green chili, which is optional. If you would rather have a heat-free dal, you could absolutely leave it out.
• How do I balance the flavors with orange?You can balance the sweetness of orange juice with a little extra lemon juice or by adjusting the amount of salt to your taste.
• Can I prepare this recipe without oil?– Indeed, sautéing the components in water is acceptable, or you might use a non-stick skillet to help trim down the oil. These methods reduce the fat by using either water or a type of pan that doesn’t require as much oil.
• Can I prepare this in advance?– Certainly, the flavors mature with time; hence, the dish might taste even more delectable the following day. Just be sure to reheat it gently in order to maintain the dish’s structural integrity.
• What can I serve with Santre Wali Dal?– It goes well with steamed rice, roti, or naan. You can add a side of sautéed vegetables or salad for a complete meal.

Santre Wali Dal Dal With Oranges Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For split red lentils (masoor dal), substitute with yellow lentils (moong dal) or green lentils.
Substitute olive oil or coconut oil for vegetable oil or ghee.
Replace cumin seeds with caraway seeds or fennel seeds.
Instead of lemon juice, use lime juice for a slightly different citrus flavor.
To achieve a different heat level, substitute the green chili for jalapeño or omit it to create a dish with milder flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Rinse and Soak Lentils Properly For a smoother texture and to reduce cooking time, rinse the lentils thoroughly until the water runs clear. If you have time, soak them for about 30 minutes before cooking.

2. Toast Spices for Depth Ensure the cumin and mustard seeds are well toasted in the oil or ghee until they release their aroma. This step enhances the depth of flavor in the dish.

3. Adjust Chili to Taste Use the green chili and red chili powder according to your heat preference. Remember, you can reduce the amount or omit them if you prefer a milder dish.

4. Balance the Citrus Taste the dal after adding the orange juice and segments. Adjust the citrus flavor with lemon juice carefully, so it complements rather than overpowers the lentils.

5. Finish with Fresh Herbs Add chopped cilantro right before serving to preserve its vibrant color and fresh aroma. This will enhance the final dish’s freshness and complexity.