Indian · serves 2

Jeera Rice + Dal Fry

The plate you'd order at a dhaba, made at home in half an hour.

30 min Easy Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 cup toor dal
  • 1.5 cups basmati
  • 2 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 tomatoes
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1 tsp red chilli powder
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala
  • 3 tbsp ghee

Method

  1. Cook dal with turmeric and salt till soft. Whisk it smooth.
  2. Jeera rice: 1 tsp cumin in ghee, add drained soaked rice, fry 2 minutes, add 2.5 cups water and salt. Cover 12 minutes, rest.
  3. Dal fry: 1 tsp cumin in ghee, garlic, onion till golden.
  4. Tomatoes, chilli powder, salt — cook till thick.
  5. Pour in the dal, simmer 8 minutes. Garam masala, coriander, a spoon of raw ghee.

Questions people ask about Jeera Rice + Dal Fry

How long does Jeera Rice + Dal Fry take?

About 30 minutes from starting to sitting down, and it is straightforward. Most of that is active, so read the method through before you start rather than chopping as you go.

What can I use instead of rice in Jeera Rice + Dal Fry?

Use any long-grain rice. Basmati needs less water than most, so check the packet before following the ratio here.

Can I make Jeera Rice + Dal Fry ahead of time?

Not really. This one relies on being crisp, and crisp does not survive the fridge. Prepare the components ahead if you like, but cook it just before eating.

Is Jeera Rice + Dal Fry vegetarian?

Yes, it is vegetarian. It is not vegan as written because it contains dairy; swap the dairy for a plant alternative and the rest of the method is unchanged.

What do you serve with Jeera Rice + Dal Fry?

Roti or plain rice, with something sharp on the side: curd, pickle or sliced onion. It serves two as written. Double everything to feed four, but use a wider pan so the food still browns rather than steams.

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