Panchmel Dal / Five Lentils Dal

Thanks a ton to Priya ( Mharo Rajasthan's Recipes) for her awesome collection of yummy and traditional Rajasthani dishes. All of you should go through her blog for some very interesting details about Rajasthan and its vast culture and of course - Rajasthani Food. :)

It was in Priya's blog that I found this interesting dal made using five kinds of lentils. I had heard of this before from Ammu (my sis n law) but had not got a chance to try. And I have to say that it tasted so yummy! :D All of it got over in an instant! :)

I have simply used the same ingredients mentioned by Priya. Coz I want the exact Rajasthani edge in the taste.  :D

Ingredients

• Toor Dal - 1/4 C
• Moong Dal - 1/4 C
• Masoor Dal - 1/4 C
• Chana Dal - 1/4 C
• Green Whole Moong Dal - 1/4 C
• Onion, chopped - 1 C
• Tomatoes, chopped - 1 C
• Turmeric Powder - 1 t
• Red Chilli Powder - 1 t
• Coriander Powder - 1 t
• Cumin Powder - 1 t
• Garam Masala - 1/2 t
• Salt - to taste
• Oil - 1 t

For Seasoning or Tadka

• Mustard Seeds - 1 t
• Cumin Seeds - 1 t
• Green Chillies, sliced - 2
• Onion, chopped - 1/2 C
• Ginger, crushed - 1"
• Garlic cloves, crushed - 5
• Oil - 2 t
• Cilantro - 1/2 C

Method

• Soak Toor Dal, Masoor Dal, Moong Dal and Chana Dal in water for 10 minutes.
• Soak Green whole moong dal overnight (8 hrs).
• Heat a pan or pressure cooker.
• When medium hot, add oil.
• Add onions and fry till they turn soft and transclucent.
• Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder and cumin powder.
• Mix till the raw smell of the powders go.
• Add tomatoes and saute till they turn soft and oil starts separating.
• Add all lentils and mix well.
• Add water, enough to immerse the mixture well.
• Cook till the lentils turn soft and near mushy.
• Adjust water according to the desired consistency.
• Add cilantro, close the lid and remove from fire.
• Heat oil in another pan.
• Add all the ingredients under For Seasoning, in order.
• Pour this Seasoning on top of the dal and mix well.
• Mouth - watering Panchmel Dal is ready for you :D