Arhar Dal Fry Veg Recipes for Healthy Everyday Meals

Arhar dal fry is a beloved staple in Indian kitchens, known for its rich flavors and comforting texture. This dish takes the humble pigeon peas (arhar dal) and elevates them with a vibrant mix of spices and fresh vegetables, creating a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Perfectly spiced and easy to prepare, arhar dal fry with vegetables is not only a great source of protein but also a delicious way to incorporate more veggies into your diet.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and adaptable. From the tangy tamarind to the aromatic mustard seeds and sautéed onions, every bite bursts with flavor.

Serve it with steamed rice or warm roti for a filling, nutritious dinner that everyone will love. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a classic Indian dal with a colorful vegetable twist!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This arhar dal fry with vegetables recipe is a perfect blend of nutrition and taste. It’s packed with protein from the pigeon peas and boosted with fresh vegetables for an added dose of vitamins and fiber.

The spices used enhance the natural flavors without overpowering the dish, making it comforting yet exciting.

It’s also incredibly versatile and easy to make. You can customize the vegetables according to what’s in your fridge or seasonally available.

The dish comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and leisurely weekend meals. Plus, it stores well for leftovers, so you can enjoy its deliciousness even the next day.

For more hearty and healthy vegetable-based recipes, check out our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas and Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals.

Ingredients

• 1 cup arhar dal (pigeon peas), rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes
• 2 cups water
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1 small carrot, diced
• 1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 small bell pepper, diced
• 2 green chilies, slit (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp oil (preferably mustard or vegetable oil)
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to preference)
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped for garnish
• 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for tanginess)

Equipment

• Pressure cooker or large pot
• Frying pan or kadhai
• Knife and chopping board
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Bowl for soaking dal
• Serving bowl

Instructions

1. Prepare the dal: Rinse the arhar dal thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. Soak the dal in water for about 30 minutes to soften it, which helps in faster cooking.
2. Cook the dal: Drain the soaked dal and add it to a pressure cooker with 2 cups of fresh water. Add 1/4 tsp turmeric powder and a pinch of salt. Pressure cook for 3-4 whistles on medium heat until the dal is soft and cooked through. If using a pot, simmer gently until tender, which may take 45-50 minutes.
3. Prepare the vegetables: While the dal cooks, chop the onion, tomato, carrot, bell pepper, and slit the green chilies. Keep the green peas ready.
4. Make the tempering (tadka): Heat oil in a frying pan or kadhai over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and wait for them to crackle. Then add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
5. Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onions and green chilies. Cook until the onions turn translucent and slightly golden, about 5-6 minutes. Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Add spices and vegetables: Stir in the remaining turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well. Then add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and the oil starts to separate from the masala.
7. Cook the vegetables: Add the diced carrot, bell pepper, and green peas. Stir and cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
8. Combine dal and vegetable mixture: Pour the cooked dal into the pan with the vegetable masala. Mix well and add water if needed to reach your desired consistency. Simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
9. Finish with garam masala and garnish: Sprinkle garam masala over the dal fry. Stir and cook for another minute. Turn off the heat and add fresh coriander leaves and lemon juice for a bright finish.
10. Serve hot: Transfer the arhar dal fry with vegetables to a serving bowl. Enjoy it with steamed basmati rice, jeera rice, or warm rotis.

Tips & Variations

Tip: For a richer flavor, add a teaspoon of ghee instead of oil during tempering. You can also include a pinch of asafoetida (hing) for traditional aroma and digestion benefits.

Variation: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, bottle gourd, or potatoes to increase the nutrition and variety. For a smoky flavor, try adding a small piece of smoked dried red chili during tempering.

Serving tip: This dal tastes even better the next day as the spices settle in, so consider making it ahead for meal prep.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This delicious dal fry pairs beautifully with a variety of Indian breads such as roti, chapati, or naan. For a wholesome meal, serve it with steamed basmati rice or fragrant jeera rice.

A side of crunchy salad or a simple cucumber raita complements the warm spices perfectly.

For a complete dinner, consider pairing this with other vegetable dishes like Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or a refreshing dip such as our Lipton Vegetable Dip Recipe: Easy Party Favorite.

For dessert, try the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a sweet finish.

Conclusion

Arhar dal fry with vegetables is a perfect example of simple ingredients coming together to create a flavorful and nutritious dish. Its balance of protein-packed dal and fresh vegetables makes it a wholesome choice for any meal.

The aromatic spices and tempering add depth and warmth, turning a humble dal into a dish that comforts and delights.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep option that holds well, this recipe fits the bill. Plus, its versatility allows you to customize it to your liking or based on what you have on hand.

Try it today and enjoy the rich taste of traditional Indian cooking with a fresh vegetable twist!

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