Akkha Masoor Recipe

Akkha Masoor Recipe

Akkha Masoor is a simple yet flavorful North Indian dish made with whole brown lentils masoor simmered with onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and aromatic spices like cumin, turmeric, and garam masala. Unlike split lentils, whole masoor retains its shape and texture, offering a heartier bite. This protein packed, wholesome curry is often enjoyed with steamed rice or roti, making it a nutritious and comforting meal for any day of the week. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon for a bright, finishing touch

Ingredients Boiling Dal

1 Cup whole black lentils (soaked for 1-2 hours)

As needed water (1 inch above the dal)

A pinch salt

Tempering

2-3 Tablespoon oil

1 Tablespoon cumin seeds

3 Large size onion chopped

1/4 Tablespoon turmeric powder

1.5 Tablespoon Kashmiri red chili powder

1 Tablespoon kanda garlic masala

A splash hot water

Salt to taste

2nd Tempering

20 Garlic cloves

1 NO green chili

1.5 Tablespoon oil

A large pinch cumin seeds

1/4 Tablespoon asafoetida

1 Tablespoon kashmiri red chili powder

Fresh green coriander chopped

Step:1

Wash and soak the whole black masoor dal for 1-2 hours (optional , but helps it cook faster) . Add the soaked dal  to pressure cooker with enough water (about 1 inch above the dal) and a pinch of salt

Step:2

If soaked , pressure cook for 1 whistle over medium flame . If unsoaked , cook for 2-3 whistles

Step:3

Once cooked , switch off the flame , let the cooker depressurize naturally open and check the dal set aside without discarding the cooking liquid . Heat oil in a pan . add cumin seeds and let them splutter

Step:4

Add the chopped onion and cook until they turn golden brown . Lower the flame , add turmeric powder , kashmiri red chili powder , and kanda garli masala . splash in a little hot water and cook briefly to prevent burning

Step:5

Add the boiled dal , mix well and let it simmer gently . Once the dal thickens , mash it lightly with the back of a ladle to release more starch and make it creamier

Step:6

Crush the garlic cloves and green chili into a rough paste using a mortar and pestle . Heat oil in a small pan . Add the garlic-chili paste and saute until golden

Step:7

Add a pinch of cumin seeds , asafoetida , and kashmiri red chili powder . Stir briefly and immediately pour this tadka over the simmering dal

Step:8

Stir the dal well , taste , and adjust salt if needed garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves serve the Akkha Masoor hot with bhakri or seamer rice for a wholesome meal

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