Aam Dal with Lentils and Mango

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) lentils 1 cup (200g) lentils
• 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste 1 teaspoon ginger paste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 10g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 10g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the lentils thoroughly and soak them in water for 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Add the cumin seeds and mustard seeds and let them splutter.
4. 4.
   Add the ginger paste and minced garlic and sauté for a minute.
5. 5.
   Drain the lentils and add them to the pot along with turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt.
6. 6.
   Stir well to coat the lentils with the spices.
7. 7.
   Add enough water to cover the lentils and bring to a boil.
8. 8.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 30 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
9. 9.
   Add the diced mangoes and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
10. 10.
    Adjust the seasoning if needed.
11. 11.
    Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice or Indian bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lentils — Make sure to rinse the lentils thoroughly before soaking to remove any impurities.
• Mangoes — Choose ripe mangoes for the best flavor. Peel and dice them just before adding to the dal to retain their freshness.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, increase the amount of red chili powder according to your taste preference.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to enhance the tanginess of the dish.
• Garnish with freshly chopped mint leaves for an extra burst of freshness.
• If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can blend a portion of the cooked lentils before adding the mangoes.
• Experiment with different types of lentils, such as masoor dal or moong dal, for variations in flavor and texture.

Serving advice

Serve the Aam Dal hot with steamed rice or Indian bread, such as roti or naan. Accompany it with a side of yogurt or pickles for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Aam Dal with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to add a pop of color. Serve it in a traditional Indian bowl or plate to enhance the visual appeal.