Methi Dal / Lentil with Fenugreek leaves / Dal with Methi

Methi dal is a simple yet delicious lentil or dal recipe in which sauteed fenugreek leaves ( methi ) are added to the cooked dal. Methi is a Hindi name for fenugreek, which is one of the favorite greens of Indian people.  

The other highlighting flavor of this methi dal comes from garlic. In this recipe, sauteed methi and garlic with cumin and mustard seeds are added to the cooked tuvar dal. The garlicky and earthy flavor of this methi dal makes it different from other dal recipes. This recipe is pretty easy to make and also does not demands to many ingredients. 
The flavor profile of methi is bitter in nature but when it is added in a right amount and of course in a right way, the taste and flavor it releases is amazing. Beside taste people loves methi because it is super rich in nutrients which is necessary for healthy life style. 
Dal is an another basic food which Indian people cannot stay away from. It is the most common and affordable protein source around here. Some people eat dal everyday in their diet. There are variety of dal or lentil available in any Indian market. Each dal has its own unique flavor. So methi dal is a tasty and healthy variation of any regular dal, especially if you are making dal in daily basis.
I have used toor or tuvar dal in this recipe. But masoor or moong dal can also be used in methi dal. 
Methi or fenugreek is a seasonal greens. So my mom used to pluck the methi leaves from its stem, then lay around the leaves in a wide cloth and dry it under the sun. Then keep the dry methi leaves in a air tight container. It is a good way to keep methi or fenugreek leaves in your pantry all year around. In thay way you can add methi whenever you want in any recipe without any hassle of plucking the leaves every time.

Health check :- Methi leaves or seeds (fenugreek) are loaded with innumerable health benefits. It is used as one of the best home remedies for many problems ranging from beauty to many health problems. Methi is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, phosphorus, iron, calcium, niacin, fiber and also protein. So it’s definitely wise to include methi in your diet.

See these recipes of methi too :-

• Methi paratha
• Methi matar pulao

Methi Dal / Lentil with Fenugreek leaves Recipe

Recipe by Neha NairCourse: MainCuisine: IndianDifficulty: Medium

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Easy and healthy Methi dal recipe which combines yellow lentil cooked with fenugreek leaves.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of tuvar dal / toor dal

• 1 cup of fresh methi leaves or 1/2 cup of dry methi

• 5 garlic cloves, crushed

• 1/2 tsp of turmeric powder

• 1 green chilly or to taste

• 2 dry red chilies

• 1/2 tsp of mustard seeds

• 1/2 tsp of cumin seeds 

• 1/4 tsp of asafetida powder

• 1-2 tsp of oil

• Salt to taste

Directions

• Cook the tuvar dal with 2.5 cups of water, turmeric and salt in a pressure cooker over medium heat until 3 whistles or until the dal is super tender and easy to mash . 
• Let the steam escape by itself, then carefully open the cooker and mash it ladle.
• Heat pan with oil and splutter mustard and cumin seeds, then add asafetida, green and red chilly and stir for 30 second.
• Now add garlic and stir for another minute.
• Then mix in the methi leaves, little salt and put on the lid and let it cook for 3-4 minutes or until it wilts.
• Now add cooked dal with a cup of water and let it comes to a slow boil. Add water according to the your desired consistency .
• Simmer for another minute and methi dal is done.

Notes

• Serve methi dal with steamed rice or chapati and tomato raita or bhindi raita or pineapple pachadi.
• You can add tomatoes or lemon juice , if you want your dal to be a little tangy.