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Home » Easy Vegetarian Lentils and Beans Recipes

Published: Nov 16, 2023 by Padma Kumar

Simple Bengali Moong Dal Recipe (No Onion Garlic)

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This Bengali moong dal recipe, made with yellow lentils and mild spices, has a delicate flavour and makes a satisfying main dish. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with your favorite rice or roti.

Moong dal cooked with simple spices such as cumin, tomatoes and chilies is placed in a skillet. The skillet is placed on a dark colored table where a piece of lime and some cooked white rice are also placed.

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When I am cooking for friends and special occasions, I am in an "all out to impress" mode and then dishes such as bullet naan, with bhindi masala and vegetarian zucchini boats are on the menu.

On certain days, I feel like eating sattvic food i.e., food that is simple, easy to digest, and gives me a good feeling of being full. I reserve this Bengali moong dal recipe, this zucchini kootu and sauteed bottle gourd for those days. These are dishes that mean comfort to me.

I learned to make this flavorful dal dish from a friend’s mom in Kolkata. She told me that this bhaja moong-er daal is one of the gems of Bengali cuisine. Bhaja means roasted. I have fond memories of eating this dish as part of a wholesome meal with some plain rice, bitter gourd and aloo bhaja, sour Bengali chutney, and extra crispy fritters. They would have some fish head stew as well.

This post contains helpful notes and tips to help you make the perfect dish. However, if you are in a rush, please use the "Jump to Recipe" link above or the "Jump to" links below to get to the section you want.

Jump to:
  • Allergens free labels
  • Why this recipe works
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Notes, substitutes and variations
  • Top tips
  • What is the best way to eat moong dal?
  • FAQ
  • 📖 Recipe
  • Comments

Allergens free labels

This mung dal recipe is allium-free - has no onion and garlic - and is also free of:

  • gluten
  • grains
  • nuts
  • soy

Make it tomato free: Just skip the tomato and add a dash of lime juice instead.

Make it vegan: Use any neutral oil instead of ghee. 

Why this recipe works

  • Simple and easy: Moong lentils are the easiest of all lentils to digest. This recipe uses simple spices to make a dish that is flavourful. You can prepare this dish on the stovetop in a few steps. You can also save time by making it in the pressure cooker or Instant Pot - see the notes section below for details.
  • Source of plant based power: This dish can be a great source of protein and flavor on your vegetarian days.
  • Free of allergens: This recipe has no onion, no garlic and is gluten free.
  • Hearty food: The warming spices, such as bay leaves and dry red chilli, make this a perfect dish to enjoy in the winter months.
  • Family friendly dish: This is an everyday delicacy of Indian cuisine that kids and grown-ups will love!

Ingredients

See the recipe card for quantities.

Ingredients such as moong dal (yellow lentils), ghee, ginger, tomato, turmeric, bay leaves are placed in bowls on a dark grey colored backdrop.
  • Moong dal: These are split yellow lentils, also known as moog dal in Bengali.
  • Whole spices: Cumin seeds, dried red chilli, and bay leaf. Bay leaves add a distinctive and unique flavor to this dish.
  • Ghee: This is traditionally made with ghee. You can substitute it with any good quality neutral oil.
  • Ginger: I use fresh ginger and crush it using a mortar and pestle. You can grate or mince is, if that works better for you. Ginger paste will work as well.
  • Green chillies: These are more for their flavor than their heat.
  • To finish off: These garnishes are totally optional. Add all or any of these: ghee, grated ginger, chopped coriander leaves (cilantro), bhuna jeera.

If you have any questions regarding these ingredients, feel free to ask in the comments section below and I will try my best to answer them for you.

Instructions

This warming sumptuous Bengali moong dal recipe comes together on the stove top.

Also see the video at the end of the recipe card below.

Step 1: Prepare the lentils and other ingredients.

Add the lentils to the pan on medium flame. Roast them till they are golden brown.

Stir and keep an eye on them to ensure that they are evenly colored.

Roasted moong dal is scooped up by a big steel spoon and some more roasted lentils are placed in a wok below.

Tip the roasted dal to a bowl. Wash, drain and keep aside.

Chop the chili peppers into 2-3 pieces, each. Dice the tomatoes. Crush, or mince the ginger.

Measure the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Make the moong dal.

Put the pan back on medium-high heat and add the dry roasted moong daal and 3 and ½ cups of water.

Muger dal that is cooking in lots of water in a stainless steel wok.

Add the turmeric and chopped green chilies.

Some water with turmeric and chopped green chili peppers is cooking in a steel wok.

Stir and boil dal until soft but the lentils still hold their shape.

Partially cover the pan with a lid to speed up the cooking. The water will boil over if you fully cover the pan with the lid.

Cooked moong lentils that have been scooped up in a steel spoon and with some more lentils cooking in a wok below.

Hint: You can tell that the lentils are cooked when they split on their sides. They need just a few more minutes to become soft and creamy.

Step 3: Temper the spices.

While the lentils are cooking, place a skillet on medium heat. Add the ghee and whole spices. Fry till the cumin become darker in color and the bay leaves are aromatic.

Cumin seeds, a whole dried red chili, and two bay leaves are frying in some oil in a skillet.

Add the crushed ginger, chopped tomatoes and salt. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes soften, but don’t turn mushy.

Tomatoes, bay leaves, red chilli, cumin seeds and some other spices are frying in a skillet.

Add these spices to the lentils as they cook. Mix well. Cook, on low heat, for 2-3 minutes more, letting the flavors blend and the lentils finish cooking.

Bhaja moong lentils with tomatoes, bay leaves and other spices is cooking in a pan.

Check for salt and add more if required. If the dal is too thick, add ½ cup more water.

Finish off with garnishes, if using.

Serve as a main with rice or roti. See the section below for more suggestions.

Notes, substitutes and variations

Can you skip roasting the dal? Roasted moong dal gives this dish the best flavor. That’s why this dish is called bhaja moong dal. But you can make this recipe without roasting the lentils if you want.

Making it in a pressure cooker or an Instant Pot: Follow the same steps as above and cook for 6-7 minutes (2 “whistles”) on high pressure. Release the pressure manually. Remove the lid and add the tempered spices. Then put the lid back on for a few minutes to let the flavors blend. The lentils cooked this way will be softer and more mushy than the stovetop method.

Onion and garlic: This recipe is traditionally made without onion and garlic. If you prefer, you can add some finely chopped onion and garlic when you temper the spices. Fry them for a couple of minutes after adding the whole spices. Then add the ginger and tomatoes.

Consistency: This sumptuous Bengali style moong dal has a thick consistency that is perfect for pouring over rice or scooped up with some bread. If you want to have it on its own, as a soup, you can thin it by adding 1 cup of water.

See this summery version yellow lentil soup on my website!

Substitutions:

  • Swap the ghee with neutral oil to make this a vegan recipe.
  • Skip the tomatoes and add a dash of lime juice instead.

Variations:

  • More flavor - add 1 teaspoon of panch phoron (five spice mix), 1 tbsp. mustard oil, and ½ teaspoon garam masala powder.
  • Spicier: If you like a spicy kick, add ½ teaspoon red chili powder at the time when you add the turmeric to the lentils.
  • No moong lentils? You can use red lentils (masoor dal). 
  • Add vegetables: To make it more filling and nutritious, you can add some vegetables. Cauliflower florets, green peas, and diced potatoes are typically added to it. Bengalis call this version “shobji diye bhaja muger dal”.

Top tips

I mentioned some of these tips earlier in the post. Here is a summary for you:

Roasting the lentils: This is a crucial step to get the flavour for this Bengali dal recipe. Roast them on medium heat and stir them constantly to get an even colour. The lentils should be golden brown.

Texture: The lentils should not be mushy, unlike in this dal palak. Roasting the lentils prevents this to a large extent.

Ghee: This is important for the unique flavor of this dish. Try not to skip this ingredient if you can.

Any doubts or questions? Feel free to ask via the comments below. I will try my best to answer them for you. - Padma

Moong lentils cooked with simple spices such as cumin, tomatoes and chilies is placed in a skillet. The skillet is placed on a dark colored table where a piece of lime and some cooked white rice are also placed.

What is the best way to eat moong dal?

Here are some serving suggestions:

If you, like me, love having this the way a Bengali household will serve it, then have it with some plain hot rice, green beans and aloo posto (poppy seeds), baingan bhaja (pan-roasted aubergine), a wedge of lime and a green chilli.

You can also enjoy this dal with some flat bread. I love having it with buckwheat naan - a great option for a grain-free meal.

Storage: This dal can keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Cool it completely and store it in an airtight, fridge-safe container.

Bengali moong dal is served in a black plate with some cooked white rice, a chili pepper, and a piece of lime.

FAQ

Which dal is used for dal fry?

Dal fry, a popular Indian dish, is typically made with toor dal (split pigeon peas).

Some versions of dal fry are made with a combination of toor and moong dal or masoor dal (red lentil). The lentils are cooked soft and flavored with onions, garlic, tomatoes, spices, and herbs.

Should moong dal be soaked before cooking?

Unlike other lentils such as toor, urad and chana dal that require to be soaked for sometime, moong dal does not require to be soaked before cooking.

Is moong dal light or heavy?

Moong dal is one of the easiest lentils on the tummy. These lentils are easy to cook and easy to digest.

Made this recipe? I’d love to know what you think! Leave a ★★★★★ rating and a review below—it motivates me to create more great content for you. You can also connect with me on Facebook and Instagram. And don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter, where I share free recipes, tips, and more!

📖 Recipe

A moong dal dish with a whole dried red chili, a bay leaf and some cooked green chili peppers is served in a round black bowl. The bowl is placed on a dark grey-black background. A wedge of lemon, some cooked white ice and a white napkin are also placed on the backdrop.
Padma Kumar

Simple Bengali Moong Dal Recipe (No Onion Garlic)

5 from 38 votes
Moong dal is a staple dish in Bengali cuisine, made with split yellow lentils that are cooked until soft and creamy. It is a simple and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed with rice or roti.
The secret to making a flavorful moong dal is to temper it with spices and ghee at the end. This recipe uses a few basic ingredients, such as cumin seeds, bay leaves, dried red chillies, ginger, tomatoes, turmeric, and salt.
This Bengali moong dal recipe also has no onion and garlic, making it suitable for those who avoid them for religious or dietary reasons. See the notes below for allergens that this recipe is free of.
Also see the video below.
Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 55 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 270

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Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Video Notes

Ingredients  

For the dal
  • ½ cup moong dal (yellow lentils)
  • 3 and ½ cups water, + ½ cup more
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • 2 green chili peppers
For the tempering
  • 1 teaspoon ghee
  • ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 or 2 bay leaves
  • 1 dried red chili
  • 1 tablespoon crushed or minced ginger
  • ¾ teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
  • 1 medium sized (~80g) tomato , ½ cup when chopped
Garnishes (optional): all or any of these
  • ½ teaspoon ghee
  • ½ teaspoon bhuna jeera
  • 1 or 2 teaspoons chopped cilantro (coriander)
  • ½ teaspoon grated ginger

Equipment

  • 1 Saucepan with lid or Dutch Oven
  • 1 mixing spoon
  • 1 large bowl
  • 1 skillet for tempering spices

Instructions
 

Prepare the lentils and other ingredients
  • Add the lentils to the pan on medium heat. Roast them till they are golden brown.
    Stir and keep an eye on them to ensure that they are evenly colored.
  • Tip the roasted lentils to a bowl. Wash , drain and keep aside.
  • Chop the chili peppers into 2-3 pieces, each. Dice the tomatoes.
  • Measure the rest of the ingredients.
Make the moong dal
  • Place the pan back on medium-high heat, add the lentils and water. Add the turmeric and chopped chili peppers.
    Stir and cook until the lentils are soft and still hold their shape.
    Cover with a lid, partially, to speed up the cooking. If you cover the pan fully with the lid, the water will boil over.
    ½ cup moong dal (yellow lentils), 3 and ½ cups water, ½ teaspoon turmeric, 2 green chili peppers
Temper the spices
  • While the lentils are cooking, place a skillet on medium heat. Add the ghee and whole spices. Fry till the cumin become darker in color and the bay leaves are aromatic.
    1 teaspoon ghee, ½ teaspoon cumin seeds, 1 or 2 bay leaves, 1 dried red chili
  • Add the crushed ginger, chopped tomatoes and salt. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes soften, but don’t turn mushy.
    You can tell that the lentils are cooked when they split on their sides. They need just a few more minutes to become soft and creamy.
    1 tablespoon crushed or minced ginger, ¾ teaspoon salt, 1 medium sized (~80g) tomato
  • Add these spices to the lentils as they cook. Mix well. Cook for a few more minutes, letting the flavours blend and the lentils finish cooking.
    Check for salt and add more if required. If the dal is too thick, add ½ cup more water.
  • Finish off with garnishes, if using.
    ½ teaspoon ghee, ½ teaspoon bhuna jeera, 1 or 2 teaspoons chopped cilantro (coriander), ½ teaspoon grated ginger
  • Serve with rice or roti.

Nutrition

Calories: 270kcal | Carbohydrates: 29.5g | Protein: 11.6g | Fat: 12.2g | Saturated Fat: 5.5g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 1127mg | Potassium: 180mg | Fiber: 6.4g | Sugar: 3.8g | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 2mg
Disclosure

The nutritional information is calculated using an online calculator and is based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionists' advice. Changing the quantities and cooking technique will alter the nutritional calculations.

Video

YouTube video

Notes

Allergens Free Labels: This simple recipe is gluten-free, nut-free, allium-free, and soy-free. 
Can you skip roasting the dal? Yes, you can make this recipe without roasting the lentils. But I suggest roasting them as it brings out the flavor of the dish.
Do you want to make this in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot? No problem! Just follow the same steps as above and cook for 6-7 minutes (2 “whistles”) on high pressure. Release the pressure manually. Remove the lid and add the tempered spices. Then put the lid back on for a few minutes to let the flavors blend. The lentils cooked this way will be softer and more mushy than the stovetop method.
No moong lentils? You can make this recipe with red lentils (masoor dal). 
Onion and garlic: This recipe is traditionally made without onion and garlic. If you prefer, you can add some finely chopped onion and garlic when you temper the spices. Fry them for a couple of minutes after adding the whole spices. Then add the ginger and tomatoes.
Make it vegan: Use any neutral oil instead of ghee. 
Scaling the recipe

Alternative quantities provided in the recipe card are for 1x only.

Allergens Disclaimer

Our content aims to be informative and educational, but it should not replace professional medical advice. Since manufacturing processes can vary and cross-contamination is possible, it's essential to verify product labels and allergen information. Make sure all ingredients align with your specific allergies. As readers, you bear the responsibility for ensuring allergen safety when buying or consuming foods.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Dina and Bruce says

    November 18, 2023 at 12:38 am

    5 stars
    So happy to have found this recipe. Had something like this years ago while traveling. Making this today!

    Reply
  2. Laura Levitan says

    November 17, 2023 at 8:36 pm

    5 stars
    This looks amazing and is an easy to follow recipe. I love the obvious health benefits of the ingredients. I can't wait to try this Bengali moong dal recipe. I know my whole family will love it!

    Reply
  3. Andréa says

    November 17, 2023 at 6:34 pm

    5 stars
    This Bengali Moong Dal Recipe was so delicious and easy to prepare. We ate it with rice, and it got so much of flavor! The bowl was empty afterward (and that certainly is a good sign)! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • Padma Kumar says

      November 27, 2023 at 5:43 pm

      Yay! So happy to read this!

      Reply
  4. Shadi Hasanzadenemati says

    November 17, 2023 at 5:28 am

    5 stars
    Love how easy this recipe is. Can’t wait to try it this weekend. Thank you for the recipe!

    Reply
  5. Shelby says

    November 17, 2023 at 4:52 am

    5 stars
    This is an amazingly flavorful dish! I've never tried roasting the dal before and it made all the difference.

    Reply
  6. MM says

    November 17, 2023 at 4:40 am

    5 stars
    Made this using some leftover lentils I found in the pastry. The flavors were fabulous! Great recipe.

    Reply
  7. Sabine says

    November 17, 2023 at 2:46 am

    5 stars
    This Dahl was so good. I followed the recipe step by step, but just used butter instead of ghee. It worked out really well and it was delicious.

    Reply
    • Padma Kumar says

      November 27, 2023 at 5:42 pm

      So happy to read this Sabine. Thank you sharing your feedback.

      Reply
  8. Anjali says

    November 17, 2023 at 2:43 am

    5 stars
    This dal recipe brought me back to my childhood! It was comforting and flavorful - the perfect easy dinner with some brown rice on the side!

    Reply
    • Padma Kumar says

      November 27, 2023 at 5:42 pm

      Glad that it hit a chord with you!

      Reply
  9. Sheenia Denae | Lifestyle Blogger says

    November 17, 2023 at 2:03 am

    I don’t eat lentils much, but this recipe looks and sounds delicious.

    Reply
  10. Elisa says

    November 17, 2023 at 1:51 am

    5 stars
    Love this Simple Bengali Moong Dal Recipe, definitely will make it soon, never tried it before. Looks delicious and easy to make. Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
5 from 38 votes (29 ratings without comment)

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Hi, I'm Padma! I am a passionate cook and can cook through any mood! My cooking is all about simple, healthy meals made with fresh ingredients and with a lot of love. As a mum and an early childhood educator, I deeply care about raising healthy eaters.

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