Varan ( Unspiced Maharashtrian Dal )

Very tasty dal, very easy to prepare and also low in calories. Goes well with rice, rotis, puris ... Please try this recipe if you’re in a hurry. You can make this varan with minimum ingredients. All you need is a 1 cup turdal / arhar dal. Other sub ingredients will be in your kitchen spice box.

Serves: 2

You will need

1 cup ( 100 g ) turdal / arhar dal
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/4 teaspoon cooking oil
1 3/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt ( or to taste )
1/4 teaspoon hing ( asafoetida )
1/2 teaspoon pepper powder
1/2 teaspoon crushed cumin seeds ( jeera )
2 teaspoon fresh coriander leaves ( optional )

Method

Wash and cook dal in a pressure cooker with 1/4 teaspoon cooking oil and turmeric powder until soft ( reduce the heat to medium after 2nd whistle and cook for 15 minutes on a low heat ). Allow the cooker to cool naturally.

Open the lid.

Blend the cooked dal well. Add salt to taste and hing. Boil once again for 5 - 8 minutes on a low heat and check consistency.

Add crushed cumin seeds and pepper. Serve over rice with ghee and slice of lemon to squeeze ( optional ).