Indian Moong Dal
This vegetarian builds moong dal (split yellow lentils), turmeric powder and ghee into a comforting meal you can have ready in about 65 minutes. You'll find the full ingredient list (with a scaler to change the servings), 7 steps of method, substitutions, and ideas for what to serve alongside.
You'll mainly reach for frying pan / skillet and pan. At medium difficulty across 7 steps, it's manageable with a little attention. As written, it's meat-free.
What you'll need
Shopping list (6)
Pantry staples (you likely have these)
Diet: vegetarian — no meat or fish, based on every ingredient listed below.
Contains: Dairy
Allergen labels are informational and may not cover cross-contact; verify every package and consult a qualified professional for medical dietary needs. Diet labels are derived from the ingredient list on this page — how we verify diet and allergen labels.
Food-safety and allergen information is general, not medical advice. Follow current guidance from your local food-safety authority, verify product labels, and seek qualified advice for allergies or health conditions.
How to make it
- Rinse the moong dal in several changes of cold water until the water runs clear, then drain.
- Place the dal in a pot with the water and turmeric, bring to a boil, then skim off any foam, lower the heat, and simmer partly covered for 20 to 25 minutes until the lentils are completely soft and break down easily; stir in salt near the end.
- Lightly mash the cooked dal with the back of a spoon to your preferred consistency, adding a splash of hot water if it is too thick.
- In a small pan, heat the ghee over medium heat and add the cumin seeds, letting them sizzle and turn fragrant for a few seconds.
- Add the slit green chiles, curry leaves, garlic, and ginger to the ghee and fry for about 1 minute until the garlic is golden and aromatic, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour this hot tempering over the dal and stir it through, then simmer together for another 2 minutes to marry the flavours.
- Garnish with chopped coriander and serve hot with rice or flatbread.
You'll use: Frying pan / skillet · Pan · Large pot · Saucepan
Tips & common questions
How long does Indian Moong Dal take to make?
About 65 minutes from start to finish — an estimate based on the 7 steps and 11 ingredients. Times vary with your kitchen and how much prep you do ahead.
Can I scale this recipe up or down?
Yes — use the servings control above the ingredients and every quantity rescales automatically (fractions included). Cooking times stay roughly the same; very large batches may need a little longer.
Is Indian Moong Dal vegetarian?
Its ingredients contain no meat, fish or shellfish, so it is suitable for vegetarians. Check any cheese for animal rennet if that matters to you.
Related recipes
Adapted recipe — rewritten in our own wording from an open-licensed community cookbook, not yet independently kitchen-tested by Consomee. How we source, test & correct recipes.
Indian Moong Dal is adapted by Consomee from the Wikibooks Cookbook, rewritten in our own wording and used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo: Moong Dal Ka Halwa (Sheera).jpg by Dr. Monty Khajanchi, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. We add the serving scaler, ingredient tools, timing and structure — how we source recipes.