Mix Dal | 5 Mixed Lentils Panchmel Dal | Without Instant Pot

How To Cook Mixed Dal:

1) Add all 5 mixed dal to a large mixing bowl.

PRO TIP: Feel free to add asafoetida for a more musky flavor and scent.

2) Mix well using fingers and rinse the mixed dal with fresh water 3-4 times.

3) Soak the mixed dal (mixed lentils) in 2 cups of water for about 1 hour. Soaking the mixed dal helps with cooking - preparation time will vary depending on how long you soak.

4) Add the mixed dal (with soaking water) to a thick bottomed saucepan with 3 cups of additional water.

PRO TIP: You can also cook the panchmel dal in a pressure cooker, or a slow cooker! Preparation time will vary depending on the cooking method.

5) Add 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1 pinch of asafoetida (hing), and 1 tsp of ghee to the pot.

6) Bring mixed dal to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

PRO TIP: After 1 hour and 15 minutes, you should be able to easily mash the mixed dal with your fingers, if not, you may need to boil for longer.

7) Mash some of the cooked mixed dal using a ladle.

How To Make Tadka Tempering for Panchmel Dal:

8) In a large pot/pan, heat 2 tbsp oil and 3 tbsp ghee on medium heat.

PRO TIP: Tadka cooks fast - make sure to prepare your ingredients in advance.

9) Once the oil & ghee are hot, add a pinch of asafoetida - sauté for a few seconds.

10) Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds - sauté for a few seconds.

11) Add bay leaf, peppercorns, cloves, and crushed black cardamom - sauté for a few seconds.

12) Add chopped onions and sauté for 2 minutes.

13) Add green chilies and sauté for another minute.

14) Add minced garlic, minced ginger, and 2 dried red chiles - fry for 2 minutes or until onion turns translucent.

15) Add 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp red chili powder, 2 tsp coriander powder and mix well - Sauté over medium-low heat for 1 minute / until the oil leaves the side.

16) Remove 3 tsp of tadka and set aside in a bowl to be used for garnishing for panchmel dal.

17) Add chopped tomatoes, ground black pepper, and mix well - cook for 2 minutes.

18) Add 4 tbsp of water and mix well again.

19) Cook for another 3-4 minutes or until oil begins to ooze from the sides of the mixture.

PRO TIP: For a smooth texture, mash tomatoes with a spoon while cooking.

20) Add cooked mixed dal to the pan with tomato and mix well.

21) Add salt to taste and mix again. The mixed dal should be a creamy consistency.

PRO TIP: Add some water to the mixed dal if it is too thick.

22) Boil the mixed dal for 2 minutes over medium-low heat.

23) Add 1/2 tsp garam masala powder, 2 tbsp coriander leaves and mix well. Boil for another minute.

24) Add 1 tsp of ghee and mix well. Turn off the heat.

Assembling the Panchmel Dal:

25) Transfer panchmel dal to a serving bowl and drizzle with tadka that was set aside.

26) Garnish with coriander leaves, a squeeze of lemon and ghee.

Notes for vegan / dairy-free version of panchmel dal: substitute ghee with oil or vegan butter