• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Raks Kitchen
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe index
  • Lunch ideas
  • About Me
  • Amazon Store
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe index
    • Lunch ideas
    • About Me
    • Amazon Store
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Dal Recipes

    No onion no garlic Dal fry recipe | Dal fry with toor dal

    July 23, 2010 by Raks Anand 72 Comments / Jump to Recipe

    No onion no garlic dal fry with simple ingredients and easy procedure perfect for beginners. Step by step photos for easy understanding.

    Popular comfort food that goes well with steamed rice and some have it with roti/ phulkas too.

    dal fry recipe

    Like most of the north Indian dishes, I learnt this recipe from my friend Sangeeta. Perfect for lunch or dinner with roti.

    Do check out my restaurant style version and goes well with this easy kadai paneer recipe.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • My notes
    • Variations
    • Step by step photos
    • Recipe card

    Ingredients

    There are different varieties of dal (lentils) available. I have used toor dal (split pigeon pea) in this recipe and it is a no onion no garlic dal fry recipe.

    Make sure to source a good quality toor dal, as otherwise it won't get cooked softly.

    You can also use masoor dal or moong dal along with root dal for a creamy and homogenous texture.

    Other ingredients added differ from recipe to recipe. What I have shared is no onion no garlic version.

    My notes

    My understanding on difference between dal fry and dal tadka is in dal fry, cooked dal is 'fried' (cooked along) with the tempering/ tomato masala spices.

    While in tadka, we add the tempering on top. You can also add a tadka on top to this dal fry. Usually cumin and spice powders are tempered in ghee and topped.

    Check out my Lasooni dal tadka recipe.

    Variations

    • Use any type of dal or combination of dals. Moong dal, chana dal, masoor dal are best options.
    • Add Garlic, onion in this recipe.

    Step by step photos

    1. Pressure cook dal firstly with enough water (I used 1 & ½ cups water), a drop of ghee, ginger, asafoetida and turmeric for 5 whistles. (I soak the dal if quality is not good, cook in medium flame after first whistle). Once done, just mash it little to make it creamy.cook dal
    2. Then heat a kadai/pan with ghee and temper with cumin seeds. After that add finely chopped tomato, salt, green chilli slit  and cook till soft.
      saute
    3. Once soft, add red chilli powder, crushed kasoori methi. Add a cup of water and let it boil furthermore.spices
    4. Add the cooked dal and mix well.cooked dal  
    5. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until the dal is creamy. It thickens as it cools down, so switch off accordingly. Garnish with coriander leaves finally.
      step-5-dal-fry

    Garnish with lots of chopped coriander leaves for a great flavor, Serve with hot steamed basmati rice or roti.

    dal fry
    dal fry is an Indian gravy served with rice or roti

    Recipe card

    dal fry recipe
    Print Pin
    5 from 11 votes

    No onion no garlic Dal fry

    Dal fry is made by cooking toor dal (split pigeon peas) and frying it with tomato and other spices.
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Indian
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 30 minutes
    Servings 4 people
    Cup measurements

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup Toor dal
    • 2 Tomato
    • ½ inch Ginger
    • 1 teaspoon Red chilli powder
    • ¼ teaspoon Turmeric
    • ⅛ teaspoon Asafoetida
    • 2 Green chillies
    • 1 teaspoon Kasoori methi
    • 1 tablespoon Ghee or oil
    • 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
    • Salt
    • Lemon Juice to squeeze on top before serving optional
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Wash and pressure cook dal firstly with 1 & ½ cups water and ¼ teaspoon ghee, ginger asafoetida and turmeric for 5 whistles.
    • I soak the dal 30 mins prior cooking if quality is not good, cook in medium flame after first whistle.
    • Once done, just mash it little to make it creamy.
    • Heat a kadai / pan with ghee and temper with cumin seeds.
    • Add finely chopped tomato, salt, green chilli slit and cook till soft.
    • Once soft, add red chilli powder, crushed kasoori methi.
    • Add a cup of water and let it boil.
    • After that in goes the cooked dal and mix well.
    • Let it simmer for 5 minutes until the dal is creamy.
    • It thickens as it cools down, so switch off accordingly. Garnish with coriander leaves and lemon juice if adding.

    Notes

    • I never make dal fry when I am out of lemons, I like the lemon squeeze the best in it 😉 If you like it you can add too.
    YoutubeDo you like short videos? Subscribe now!
    InstagramMention @rakskitchen or tag #rakskitchen if you have tried this recipe.

    Other Dal recipes | Indian lentils

    • matki dal recipe
      Matki dal recipe | Moth beans curry
    • butter-dal-fry-recipe
      Butter dal fry recipe, Rich & Creamy
    • mango dal
      mango dal recipe, Mamidikaya pappu
    • lasooni dal tadka
      Lasooni dal tadka recipe, Easy dal recipes

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Suhaina

      July 23, 2010 at 8:52 am

      Super duper daal dear.Wonderfully done and very well presented. U have become very very professional now.. Love this curry very much.
      Very well explained.

      Reply
    2. notyet100

      July 23, 2010 at 8:53 am

      drooling looking at the platter,..:-)

      Reply
    3. sangeetaskitchen

      July 23, 2010 at 8:56 am

      hi raji
      the dal fry looks very very tempting, can i cum over for lunch 🙂 the whole lunch looks gr8

      Reply
    4. Nithya

      July 23, 2010 at 8:56 am

      Oh so the kasturi methi makes it special is it. 🙂 wow.. will try it out soon. 🙂 I did something else last night and called it dal tadka 😉

      Reply
    5. Nithya

      July 23, 2010 at 8:57 am

      I really like that little bucket that you have used. Looks too cute 🙂

      Reply
    6. sangeetaskitchen

      July 23, 2010 at 8:58 am

      sorry forget to tell u, cute bucket i too want to buy it now

      Reply
    7. Prathibha

      July 23, 2010 at 9:10 am

      Lovely bucket dearie...
      recent trip purchase kya??
      Dal tadka is infact my favorit too...I just love it...Yours too luck yummy

      Reply
    8. Shama Nagarajan

      July 23, 2010 at 9:14 am

      dal tadka is delicious..cute presentation

      Reply
    9. Nags

      July 23, 2010 at 9:25 am

      i prefer this too, compared to makhni 🙂

      Reply
    10. Sayantani

      July 23, 2010 at 9:30 am

      I often make a less rich version of this dal tadka for dinner. thats my favourite too. love the Kadhai paneer too.

      Reply
    11. Kanchan

      July 23, 2010 at 9:34 am

      Lovely.. refreshing snap.
      Loved the small Bucket style Kadai.. Perfect.

      Reply
    12. G.Pavani

      July 23, 2010 at 9:39 am

      Hi Raji,first here u have nice blog and dry fry is colouful and yummy

      Reply
    13. shanthi

      July 23, 2010 at 9:44 am

      This is colourful and love the chilli powder tadka.

      Reply
    14. Happy Cook

      July 23, 2010 at 9:50 am

      I love dal and rice one of my fav comfort food.
      I must send your blog link to my sis she has been asking me to send as i told her you have lots of tragitional sweets here.

      Reply
    15. Chitra

      July 23, 2010 at 10:24 am

      Dal looks very nice.. will try once 🙂

      Reply
    16. Sharmilee! :)

      July 23, 2010 at 10:24 am

      Simple and easy comfort dhal...will try soon. Look tempting

      Reply
    17. Sreelekha Sumesh

      July 23, 2010 at 10:37 am

      wow..great pic .simple and healthy recipe:)

      Reply
    18. jayasree

      July 23, 2010 at 10:39 am

      I love that bucket... delcious dal fry

      Reply
    19. தக்குடுபாண்டி

      July 23, 2010 at 10:51 am

      பாக்கர்துக்கே பிரமாதமா இருக்கு....!

      Reply
    20. Sandhya Hariharan

      July 23, 2010 at 11:24 am

      Great serving set! I make it quite similar..I use onions too occasionally
      Lovely click

      Reply
    21. Satya

      July 23, 2010 at 11:53 am

      hi raks
      dal fry looks soo delicious ...its my favorite too ...lovely presentation with nice click...btw thanks for visiting my space n for ur lovely comments ...

      Satya
      http://www.superyummyrecipes.com

      Reply
    22. Premalatha Aravindhan

      July 23, 2010 at 12:00 pm

      Such a delicious recipe dear,luks very tempting...Too gud pics.

      Reply
    23. Sush

      July 23, 2010 at 12:11 pm

      My family always love to eat dal tadka.., that bucket is beautiful. Where did you get it from?

      Reply
    24. jeyashrisuresh

      July 23, 2010 at 1:30 pm

      dal looks very nice.The bucket looks very cute.I make it in the similar way but the tadka i make in the beginning.Nice colur

      Reply
    25. Pari

      July 23, 2010 at 1:42 pm

      Hi Raji, love the bucket and surely the dal with the tadka in it.

      Reply
    26. Ambika

      July 23, 2010 at 1:46 pm

      Beautiful pictures!!! I love dal fry too 🙂

      Reply
    27. VineelaSiva

      July 23, 2010 at 2:36 pm

      Hai Rak the dal looks very yummy and u presented very well.

      Reply
    28. Hari Chandana

      July 23, 2010 at 3:00 pm

      Wowwwwwwwwwww.... Amzing snaps dear.. looks very inviting and delicious.. I love all your recipes and snaps.. Awesome job !! 🙂

      Reply
    29. Swathi

      July 23, 2010 at 3:04 pm

      Dal Fry looks delicious Raji. My hubby loves dal.

      Reply
    30. Sailaja Damodaran

      July 23, 2010 at 3:08 pm

      A very quick recipe...Excellent with roti too.

      Reply
    31. PranisKitchen

      July 23, 2010 at 3:58 pm

      what a delicious dal curry .. liked the toppingsespecially red chili giving very nice color.. and sure taste heaven

      Reply
    32. RV

      July 23, 2010 at 4:08 pm

      Look at that dish, you have made a simple dal fry look Royal. Lovely presentation Raks and I agree it is such a comforting dish with piping hot rice or rotis

      Reply
    33. Priya (Yallapantula) Mitharwal

      July 23, 2010 at 4:26 pm

      Wow, that looks great, I love tadka on dal, beautiful pic.

      Reply
    34. Sayali

      July 23, 2010 at 4:33 pm

      Simply wonderful..........lovely pics 🙂 superb presentation 🙂

      Reply
    35. PriyaVaasu

      July 23, 2010 at 5:19 pm

      Dal Fry is so Tempting!!!! Serving bucket superb!!! Appadiya eduthukalama!!!!

      Reply
    36. PALATABLE

      July 23, 2010 at 6:05 pm

      Simple and delicious dal, great snap too....

      http://treatntrick.blogspot.com

      Reply
    37. Anonymous

      July 23, 2010 at 6:23 pm

      FAntstic photo. Esp the vessel.

      Reply
    38. Priya

      July 23, 2010 at 8:31 pm

      Such a fabulous click and droolworthy dal...superaa irruku Raji..

      Reply
    39. RAKS KITCHEN

      July 24, 2010 at 1:20 am

      sush,I bought that bucket in jyothi stores

      Reply
    40. aipi

      July 24, 2010 at 1:51 am

      delish looking daal.. lovely lovely presentation n awesome clicks.. loved the cute balti server.. first time here.. you have such a wonderful space with awesome recipes.. book marked many of them.. glad 2 find you 🙂

      Reply
    41. Aruna Manikandan

      July 24, 2010 at 6:28 am

      Looks delicious dear!!!!!!!!

      Reply
    42. Sushma Mallya

      July 24, 2010 at 6:40 am

      I love dal fry , and your pics are very tempting raks,looks too good...

      Reply
    43. Sadhana

      July 24, 2010 at 2:29 pm

      Wow!!! Veryyyyyyyyyyyy nice presentation dear...beautiful clicks.....looks delicious,....keep rocking....

      Reply
    44. Pavithra

      July 24, 2010 at 4:56 pm

      My fav one too raji,, the bucket is tooo cute and lovely and comforting meal together... yummy!!!!

      Reply
    45. SpicyTasty

      July 24, 2010 at 6:53 pm

      This is a lovely dish. Looks nice and delicious.

      Reply
    46. Srimathi

      July 24, 2010 at 7:43 pm

      Your pictures of dhal fry have inspired me to make some soon. I loved your last photo.Had to meditate on it for some time. I promise you that I will try it out in a couple of days.

      Reply
    47. Parita

      July 25, 2010 at 6:04 am

      Lovely and tasty dal dear, love that kadhai!

      Reply
    48. Anonymous

      July 26, 2010 at 4:31 pm

      5 stars
      yesterday i tried this recipe.it came very nice.simple and delicious.

      Reply
    49. lissie

      July 26, 2010 at 1:16 pm

      yummy and perfect dhal fry! my children love this...

      Reply
    50. SpicyTasty

      July 26, 2010 at 1:24 pm

      I love that vessel. Dal looks very inviting and awesome recipe.

      Reply
    51. Shabitha Karthikeyan

      July 26, 2010 at 5:35 pm

      Delicious Dal and cute little serve wares..

      Reply
    52. Mahi

      July 26, 2010 at 11:34 pm

      colourful dal and the presentation is lovely! We too always order this dal fry in the restaurants.yummmmmy!

      Reply
    53. Anukampa

      July 27, 2010 at 9:00 am

      wow..Daal looks really delicious. I too love tadka daal with Fulka's or tandoori roti.

      Anu

      Reply
    54. RAKS KITCHEN

      July 27, 2010 at 10:32 am

      Thanks a lot san for the feedback 🙂

      Reply
    55. Priti

      July 27, 2010 at 10:50 am

      New template is cool dear...looks very gud and so the pics ...

      Reply
    56. AM

      July 27, 2010 at 11:41 am

      Hi, delurking, tried your mix veg kurma, and it turned out so good. I tried cauliflower and peas gravy yesterday, and it was a hit too. I am not a pro and whenever I try something from a foodblog most of the time it is a miss but not yours. Your pics r awesome, which make is ur camera. Ur pics r so drool worthy and makes me want to eat all the time which is not good for me..hehe. Keep up the good work.

      Reply
    57. Preeti Kashyap

      July 27, 2010 at 12:32 pm

      This looks super delicious Raks, I love Dal fry too! Me and my hubby tried but no pop ups came. I have asked others..lets see.

      Thanks a lot for letting me know.

      Reply
    58. n33ma

      July 27, 2010 at 10:31 pm

      Lovely pic and Im sure the food was even better.

      Reply
    59. Preeti Kashyap

      July 27, 2010 at 11:01 pm

      Hey, I fixed it. It was one of the widgets I had installed. Thanks for letting me know.

      Reply
    60. RAKS KITCHEN

      July 28, 2010 at 2:13 am

      AM, thanks for the comments!! I use Nikon D40X

      Reply
    61. Inji

      August 05, 2010 at 9:32 pm

      What beautiful pictures! I make the same dal but without the kasuri methi. That seems like an interesting touch.

      Reply
    62. PK

      December 13, 2011 at 9:50 am

      5 stars
      Made this on Saturday - should have made a double, or even triple batch, because it was SO good and I was SO SAD when we'd eaten it all!

      Reply
    63. sunjula

      April 04, 2012 at 12:27 am

      5 stars
      Jus made it and had a finger licking dinner!!!thanks a ton!!

      Reply
    64. Aswathy Dinesh

      January 15, 2013 at 8:43 am

      5 stars
      Hai..

      Both the recipes came out really well for me.Thankyou.

      Reply
    65. Aishwarya Sampath

      March 06, 2013 at 9:37 am

      5 stars
      Hi Raji,
      I just finished making this recipe and I must tell you its better than the one made in restaurants. It would be great if you could post the recipe for the curry in the picture(the one with the potato,cauliflower,capsicum & tomato). Thanks in advance.

      Reply
    66. Aishwarya Sampath

      March 06, 2013 at 9:38 am

      Hello, I just made this recipe and I must tell you its tastes great. I'm just curious to know recipe of the curry(the one with the potato and cauliflower) you had along with this recipe.Thanks in advance

      Reply
    67. Jeya

      April 25, 2013 at 8:32 am

      hai ,
      How r u? I saw ur recipes its looking great i need a recipe which u have posted in dal tadka, i.e aloo gobi mutter subzi recipe it looks mouth watering, plz post his subzi i really needed
      Also post Stir fry north indian subzi. Thank u

      Reply
    68. rani reddy

      January 18, 2014 at 2:33 pm

      Hi Raji, I have tried many recipes of yours. I love your presentation.

      Reply
    69. Kishore kumar k

      November 06, 2014 at 10:19 pm

      Thank uuuuuu 4 such a wonderful website...// i never see a page like this before,,with detailed presentation..//

      Reply
    70. Bharathi Ranganathan

      April 29, 2015 at 1:06 pm

      5 stars
      Hi raks.. Tried this recipe recently 🙂 turned out so delicious.. Never knew dal can be made so nice without onion:) loved it.. Had a hearty meal 🙂 thank you 🙂

      Reply
    71. Sandhya Venkatesh

      June 13, 2020 at 4:26 pm

      5 stars
      Tried the recipe. A simple and easy dish. Turned out very good.

      Reply
      • Raks Anand

        June 14, 2020 at 9:06 pm

        Thank you so much for taking time to leave your feedback 🙂

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Raks anand

    Hi, I'm Rajeswari Vijayanand! I am the person behind Rakskitchen, sharing recipes with pictures & videos.

    More about me →

    Popular

    • eggless-donut-recipe
    • medhu vadai
    • ABC-juice
    • sakkarai pongal recipe

    Holi Recipes

    • apple jalebi
    • thandai recipe
    • dahi-vada-dahi-bhalla
    • sweet-chutney-recipe

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Links

    • Privacy Policy
    • FAQ

    Also from Rakskitchen

    • Rakskitchen Tamil

    Contact

    • [email protected]

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Rakskitchen