Daal Mash Recipe
Comforting Pakistani daal mash made with split urad lentils, tomatoes, ginger and a fragrant cumin-garlic tarka.
Ingredients for Daal Mash
- 1½ cups split urad dal (mash dal)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tbsp ginger, julienned
- 3 garlic cloves, sliced
- 2 green chilies
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp garam masala
- 3 tbsp cooking oil or ghee
- Salt and fresh coriander
How to Make Daal Mash
- Wash the mash dal well and soak it for 30 minutes.
- Cook the dal with fresh water, turmeric and salt until tender but not completely mushy.
- In a separate pan, heat oil and fry cumin, garlic and onion until golden.
- Add tomatoes, red chili and green chilies and cook until the masala softens.
- Stir the cooked dal into the masala and simmer until thick and creamy.
- Finish with garam masala, julienned ginger and fresh coriander.
Helpful Notes for Daal Mash
Read the full method before starting, measure the ingredients, and complete any chopping, soaking or marinating first. This makes Daal Mash easier to cook and helps every stage finish at the right time.
Wash, cut and measure the vegetables before heating the pan so they cook evenly. Toast whole spices briefly in oil, add delicate vegetables later, and avoid overcooking so colour and texture remain appealing.
Cool leftovers promptly and refrigerate them in a covered container. Reheat gently, adding only a small splash of water so the vegetables do not become watery.
Daal Mash Cooking Tips
- Wash and prepare the vegetables before heating the pan so they cook evenly.
- Toast whole spices briefly in oil to release their aroma before adding other ingredients.
- Avoid overcooking fresh vegetables so their colour and texture remain appealing.
Questions About Daal Mash
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes. Reduce or increase the chilli to suit your household, while keeping the other spices in balance so the dish remains aromatic.
What should I do before I start cooking?
Read the full method once, measure the ingredients, and prepare any chopped items first. This makes the steps easier to follow and helps the dish cook evenly.