Easy & Tasty Moong Dal Recipes

Moong dal is a staple in Indian kitchens and a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into a variety of delicious dishes. Whether you're looking for something comforting, hearty, or light, yellow moong dal has got you covered. In this blog, we’re diving into some easy and tasty yellow moong dal recipes that you can make quickly with minimal effort. From a classic tadka to a refreshing salad, these recipes are perfect for everyday meals. 

 

1. Yellow Moong Dal Tadka 

Yellow Moong Dal Tadka is a simple yet flavorful dish that never fails to satisfy. It’s a comfort food for many, offering warmth and wholesomeness in every bite. 

Ingredients: 

  • 1 cup yellow moong dal 

  • 3 cups water 

  • 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped 

  • 2 tomatoes, finely chopped 

  • 2-3 garlic cloves, minced 

  • 1-inch piece of ginger, grated 

  • 2 green chilies, slit 

  • 1 tsp cumin seeds 

  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder 

  • 1/2 tsp red chili powder 

  • 1 tsp garam masala 

  • 2 tbsp ghee or oil 

  • Salt to taste 

  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish 

Instructions: 

  1. Rinse the yellow moong dal thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. 

  1. In a pressure cooker, add the dal and water. Cook for 3-4 whistles until the dal is soft and cooked through. 

  1. In a pan, heat ghee or oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. 

  1. Add garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for a minute until fragrant. 

  1. Add onions and cook until golden brown. 

  1. Stir in the tomatoes, turmeric, and red chili powder. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and the oil begins to separate. 

  1. Add the cooked moong dal to the pan. Mix well and adjust the consistency with water if needed. 

  1. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, then add garam masala and salt. Stir well. 

  1. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with steamed rice or roti. 

This dish is the essence of comfort food, perfect for days when you crave something simple yet satisfying. The earthy flavors of moong dal, combined with the aromatic tadka, create a dish that's both wholesome and heartwarming. 

 

2. Yellow Moong Dal Khichdi 

Khichdi is a one-pot wonder that’s as easy to make as it is to love. It’s a go-to meal when you’re looking for something nutritious and comforting. 

Ingredients: 

  • 1/2 cup yellow moong dal 

  • 1/2 cup rice 

  • 4 cups water 

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped 

  • 1 small carrot, diced 

  • 1/2 cup green peas 

  • 1 tsp cumin seeds 

  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder 

  • 1/2 tsp black pepper 

  • 1 bay leaf 

  • 2 tbsp ghee 

  • Salt to taste 

Instructions: 

  • Rinse the yellow moong dal and rice together until the water runs clear. 

  • In a pressure cooker, heat ghee over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and bay leaf. 

  • Once the cumin seeds splutter, add onions and sauté until translucent. 

  • Add diced carrot and green peas. Cook for a couple of minutes. 

  • Add turmeric powder, black pepper, salt, and the rinsed dal and rice mixture. Stir well. 

  • Pour in the water, stir, and close the lid. Cook for 3-4 whistles until the dal and rice are soft and mushy. 

  • Once the pressure releases, open the lid and give the khichdi a good stir. Adjust the consistency with hot water if it’s too thick. 

  • Serve hot with a dollop of ghee on top and some pickle or yogurt on the side. 

Yellow Moong Dal Khichdi is light on the stomach and packed with nutrients. It’s an ideal dish for when you want something nourishing yet easy to digest, making it a perfect meal for all ages. 

 

3. Yellow Moong Dal Soup 

If you’re looking for something light yet flavorful, this Yellow Moong Dal Soup is just the ticket. It’s simple, healthy, and perfect as a starter or a light meal. 

Ingredients: 

  • 1/2 cup yellow moong dal 

  • 3 cups water or vegetable broth 

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped 

  • 1 small tomato, chopped 

  • 1 clove garlic, minced 

  • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds 

  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder 

  • 1/4 tsp black pepper 

  • 1 tbsp olive oil 

  • Salt to taste 

  • Fresh lemon juice and coriander leaves for garnish 

Instructions: 

  • Rinse the yellow moong dal thoroughly. 

  • In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle. 

  • Add garlic and onion, and sauté until the onion turns soft. 

  • Add tomatoes, turmeric, and black pepper. Cook until the tomatoes are soft. 

  • Add the rinsed moong dal and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil. 

  • Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the dal is completely cooked and the soup has thickened slightly. 

  • Blend the soup with an immersion blender if you prefer a smoother consistency, or leave it chunky if you like more texture. 

  • Add salt and lemon juice to taste. 

  • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with a slice of bread. 

This Yellow Moong Dal Soup is light yet packed with flavors. It’s the perfect way to enjoy moong dal in a form that’s both refreshing and nourishing. 

 

4. Yellow Moong Dal Salad 

For a refreshing twist, try this Yellow Moong Dal Salad. It’s a nutritious and vibrant dish that’s perfect for a healthy lunch or evening snacks. 

Ingredients: 

  • 1/2 cup yellow moong dal, soaked for 1 hour 

  • 1 small cucumber, diced 

  • 1 small tomato, diced 

  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped 

  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds 

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice 

  • 1 tbsp olive oil 

  • Salt and black pepper to taste 

  • Fresh mint or coriander leaves for garnish 

Instructions: 

  • Drain the soaked moong dal and steam it until tender but still firm. 

  • In a large bowl, combine the steamed moong dal, cucumber, tomato, red onion, and pomegranate seeds. 

  • Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt and black pepper. 

  • Toss everything together until well combined. 

  • Garnish with fresh mint or coriander leaves and serve immediately. 

This Yellow Moong Dal Salad is light, refreshing, and packed with a variety of textures and flavors. It’s a great way to enjoy moong dal in a raw and crunchy form, making it perfect for warm days or as a healthy side dish. 

 

5. Yellow Moong Dal Sweet Recipes 

Yellow Moong Dal isn’t just for savory dishes—it’s also the star of some delicious sweets. One of the most beloved sweet dishes made with moong dal is Yellow Moong Dal Halwa, a rich and aromatic dessert that’s perfect for festivals and special occasions. But there's another festive favorite you can create with moong dal—Sweet Pongal. 

Sweet Pongal is a delicious South Indian festive dish traditionally made with rice and moong lentils, ghee, jaggery or sugar, cardamom, and nuts. It’s a dish that holds a special place in the hearts of many, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Known as Chakkara Pongali in Telugu and Sakkarai Pongal in Tamil, it is often prepared during the South Indian harvest festival. This dish has been passed down through generations as a way to celebrate abundance and prosperity following the harvest season. 

 

Yellow Moong Dal Halwa 

Ingredients: 

  • 1 cup yellow moong dal, soaked for 3-4 hours 

  • 1/2 cup ghee 

  • 1 cup sugar 

  • 1/2 cup milk 

  • 1/4 cup water 

  • 1/4 tsp cardamom powder 

  • A handful of chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios) 

 

Instructions: 

  • Drain the soaked moong dal and grind it to a coarse paste. 

  • In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat ghee and add the moong dal paste. Cook over low to medium heat, stirring continuously, until the dal turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. 

  • In another pan, mix sugar, milk, and water. Bring it to a boil until the sugar dissolves completely. 

  • Slowly pour the sugar syrup into the cooked dal, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. 

  • Cook until the halwa thickens and the ghee starts to separate from the sides of the pan. 

  • Stir in the cardamom powder and chopped nuts. 

  • Serve warm, garnished with more nuts if desired. 

Yellow Moong Dal Halwa is rich, aromatic, and absolutely delicious. It’s the perfect dessert to make for festivals, celebrations, or whenever you’re in the mood for something indulgent. 

 

Conclusion,

Yellow moong dal is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from comforting curries to refreshing salads and even sweet treats. These easy and tasty moong dal recipes showcase just how adaptable this humble ingredient can be. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for family, these recipes are sure to become favorites in your kitchen. 

To make these dishes even more delicious, try using Gold Winner's Moong Dal from Kaleesuwari. It’s the perfect choice for bringing out the best flavors in every recipe. Visit our website to buy Gold Winner's Moong Dal and start cooking with quality ingredients today!