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5 from 2 votes

Papad wali Dal (vegan, gluten-free, healthyish)

Papad wali Dal is garlicky and prepared with split pigeon peas, water, papad, and lots of spices. It's comfort food that's healthy too!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Nisha Kapur

Ingredients

for Toor Dal / Split Pigeon Peas

  • 1 1/2 cups toor dal / split pigeon peas
  • 4 1/2 cups water you can add more later
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp salt

for the tadka / tempering

  • 3 tbsp avocado oil you can use less oil try 2 tbsp
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/8 tsp hing
  • 2 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 1/2 tsp ajwain / carom seeds
  • 2 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 4 dry red chilies split in half
  • 1/4 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tsp amchoor / mango powder
  • 8 cloves garlic chopped

for garnish

  • salt to taste if need be
  • 1/2 tsp amchoor / mango powder
  • small handful fresh cilantro leaves chopped
  • 3 papads baked

Instructions

for the dal / lentils

  • Soak split piegon pea lentils in warm water for 15 minutes.
  • Combine the toor dal ingredients… lentils, water, turmeric powder, and 1 tsp salt in the Instant Pot.
  • Set the Instant Pot to High Pressure for 8 minutes. Natural Release for 10 minutes.

prepare the tadka / tempering.

  • Once the dal is done, you'll need all your spices for the tempering and chopped garlic.
  • Heat up a small pot on medium heat, once hot add oil. Let the oil heat up and then add all the spices and garlic. Temper for about 30-45 seconds max. Make sure the garlic doesn't' burn.
  • Pour the tadka over the dal. Mix well.

for garnish

  • Adjust salt. Add mango powder and fresh cilantro leaves.
  • Heat up papad over the stove, in the toaster oven, or in the microwave. You will need 3-4 papads.
  • Break the papad into large pieces. I added 3 papads to my dal.
  • Mix well. The heat will soften the papad immediately.
  • Serve with white rice, brown rice, or quinoa. Feel free to add yogurt and achaar as well.

Nutrition

Calories: 317kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 773mg | Potassium: 131mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 63IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 57mg | Iron: 3mg