Dal roti is a simple, comforting and wholesome meal that is quick to make and always satisfying. It is made with simple everyday ingredients like moong dal, onion, tomato, chillies and garlic. Serve this hearty dal along with soft roti, chapathi, phulka or plain steamed rice with a dollop of ghee for a soulful meal.

Dal for Roti
This is the simplest but tastiest dal you could ever imagine. I call it dal roti because this dal is best served with chapati or roti. I learned this recipe from my Aachi, because when ever she cook chapati (which is long time back because now she is so weak to roll roti), she makes this dal.
It has really fresh ingredients cooked together. Make sure you add a good amount of coriander leaves at the end, that brings nice flavour to the dal. And don't forget to season this dal with a good amount of cumin seeds toasted in ghee. That too gives a final little touch to this.
About Dal Roti
I love dal because it is healthy, filling and comforting. It is packed with protein, fibre which controls blood sugar and supports overall health. Plus, it is easy to cook and gentle on your stomach.
This dal roti is one of the easiest and comforting dishes that you can make anytime of the day. The dal is made with simple pantry ingredients like tomato, garlic, onion and chillies.
It gets its delicious flavour from an aromatic tempering that brings everything together. The tangy tomatoes, mild chilli heat and flavourful ghee makes every bite soothing and satisfying. Also check my leftover dal roti.
Similar Recipes

This dal roti is a weekly staple in my house. I could eat it every single day and sometimes I do. Today I have made it with moong dal, but masoor dal or toor dal works just as well, so use whichever lentil available.
What makes this dal special is its rich, smooth and creamy texture that goes great with plain hot rice, roti, chapathi or dosai. And the final drizzle of ghee on dal makes the meal more indulgent and wholesome. You will love my special Ethiopian style dal.
This recipe is perfect for lazy days, busy mornings or even bachelors can cook when they run out of vegetables or don't have enough time to cook. Overall, it is a simple one pot recipe that tastes absolutely delicious and comforting.

Ingredients
- Yellow moong dal / Pasi paruppu : You can also substitute with toor dal or masoor dal if preferred.
- Onion : You can use regular onion or shallots of your choice.
- Tomato : Tomatoes add mild tanginess that brighten up the flavour of the dal and balance well with chillies.
- Green chilli : Green chilli added for its heat and spice. Adjust the quantity depending on how spicy you like to have your dal.
- Garlic : Garlic gives a warm, pungent aroma that balances well with tomato and spices. It also supports digestion and boosts immunity.
- Turmeric powder : Turmeric powder adds a beautiful golden color to the dal and is also known for its anti oxidant properties.
- Ghee / Clarified butter : Ghee adds richness and enhances the overall taste of the dal. It carries the flavours beautifully and makes the dal extra delicious.
- Cumin seeds : Cumin seeds added to give an earthy flavour to the dal. It also helps in digestion.
- Coriander leaves : A handful of fresh coriander leaves are added at the end for a fresh, herb aroma.

Step by Step Pictures
Pressure cooking dal
1)Take moong dal in a pressure cooker, wash them in multiple changes of water. Strain it and take it in a pressure cooker.

2)Add in sliced onions, tomatoes, garlic, green chillies into the dal.

3)Add salt and turmeric powder.

4)Pour water into the pressure cooker.

5)Add in 3 cups of water and close the pressure cooker. Cook for 1 whistle, simmer the flame and cook for 5 mins.

6)Switch off the flame and let the steam go all by itself. Open the cooker, Add more water if needed and bring the dal to a full boil again. Taste and adjust the salt.

Tempering
7)Heat ghee in a pan. Add in cumin seeds and let the sizzle on low heat.

8)Pour the cumin seeds along with the ghee into the dal and mix well.

9)Add in lots of coriander leaves and mix well.

10)Your dal for roti is ready to serve.

11)Enjoy with roti, chapati or rice.

Expert Tips
About Dal - Wash the moong dal at least 2 to 3 times before cooking. If preferred, you can also soak the dal for 10 minutes to cook evenly.
Adjust flavour - Green chillies can be adjusted depending on how spicy you like it. The flavour of the dal comes from the perfect tempering of spices in hot ghee. Let the cumin seeds splutter and release its aroma.
Add Vegetables - You can also add vegetables like carrot, or potato if preferred.
Storage - Store the leftover cooked dal in an airtight container. Let it cool down before transferring. When properly stored, it stays good in the refrigerator for 1 to 3 days.
Reheating Method - Reheat them gently using the stovetop or microwave method. Add some water to adjust the consistency.
Serving - Serve this creamy, mildly spiced dal with roti, chapathi or plain steamed hot rice for a wholesome meal.
FAQ
You can try with other lentils of your choice like toor dal or masoor dal. Keep in mind that cooking time and texture of these dal may differ accordingly.
Soaking isn't necessary for moong dal. But it can be done for 10 minutes to help them cook faster and softer.
Yes, you can skip garlic, the dal will still be flavourful and delicious.
📖 Get Recipe

Dal Roti Recipe (Dal for Roti Recipe)
Equipment
Ingredients
To Pressure Cook Together
- 1 cup Split Yellow Moong Dal
- 1 large Onion peeled & chopped
- 2 large Tomatoes chopped
- 5 no Green Chilli left whole
- 6 cloves Garlic peeled & left whole
- 2 teaspoon Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
For Tempering
- 2 tablespoon Ghee
- 2 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
For Garnishing
- ½ cup Coriander Leaves chopped finely
Instructions
- Wash dal multiple times in water. Strain it and take the washed dal, onions, tomatoes, green chilli, garlic, salt, turmeric powder in a pressure cooker.
- Add in 3 cups of water and close the pressure cooker. Cook for 1 whistle, simmer the flame and cook for 5 mins. Switch off the flame and let the steam go all by itself. Open the cooker, Add more water if needed and boil the dal.
- Now make the tempering. Heat ghee in a kadai, add in cumin seeds and let it sizzle. Pour this over the dal and mix well. Add in a big handful of coriander leaves and mix well.
- Serve this with roti.






Sangeetha Nambi
Super comforting dal !
Pri
Hi Aarthi! Been a a silent reader of your blog and I absolutely love the recipes and admire the way you post recipes everyday with pics...makes it so easy to follow your recipes. Been making moon deal for a long time but with a different recipe. Tried yours today and totally love it! So wonderfully flavorful...thanks very much!
priya narayanan
Hey AARTHI, I'am hooked to your blog now. The recipes with the pictures are an absolute delight to watch,they are inspiring too...........I;ve tried a couple of them and they have come out very well,esp my daughter and my hubby appreciate it a lot. Thanks a bunch for taking the pains of clicking all the steps and making the whole affair delightful to watch. Please keep posting like this .
Anonymous
Dear Aarthi, thank you for sharing this simple and delicious recipe. I have a question, does the dal have to be roasted before putting it into the cooker? Thank you,
Sashi
Aarthi
@Anonymousno you dont have to roast it
Naveed
Thanks Aarthi.. Prepared my first Dal and it was awesome for a beginner. Appreciate ur work..
Anonymous
Looks simple and quick to be done. Trying this dal today. Thank you Aarthi. U hv made my cooking interesting. Love all yr recipes. God bless u. Rgds maria
lbm
Simple and delicious recipe..
smiley
Gonna try this simple but delicious recipe
Moong Dal
Nice Post and give lot of good taste to my dinner. Nice Post.
Moong Dal give lot of benefits to skin and hair you can read it here.
https://www.yabibo.com/wonderful-benefits-moong-dal-green-gram-skin-hair/
Anonymous
hi
Do you have to have a pressure cooker? I don't have one, can I use a normal pan?
Thanks
Aarthi
@AnonymousNO need for pressure cooker, you can cook it in a normal pan, Just bring the mixture to a good boil, then cover and simmer till the dal is cooked.
Anonymous
Dear Aarti, my name also aarthee. Me too having eight month old baby. If i have any doubt means ill search in your site. Very useful. Kindly post new dishes always. 😊
Janani Selvaraju
Tried this many times and it turned out so well....got appreciated by my mom...thanks aarthi...