Mild Moong Dal
A gentle and nourishing lentil soup, perfect for young children or when you need something light and comforting. Made with yellow moong dal, it's easy to digest and flavored with a simple tempering of ghee and cumin.
For 4 servings
Prepare the dal.
Rinse the moong dal under running water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
TIPSoaking the dal for 15-30 minutes helps it cook faster and makes it easier to digest.Cook the dal.
- In a pressure cooker, combine the rinsed moong dal, water, chopped tomato, grated ginger, turmeric powder, and salt.
- Stir everything together.
- Close the lid and pressure cook on medium heat for 3-4 whistles, or until the dal is very soft and mushy.
- Let the pressure release naturally.
TIPIf you don't have a pressure cooker, you can cook the dal in a pot with a lid for 25-30 minutes, adding more water if needed.Mash the dal.
Once the pressure has released, open the cooker. Whisk the dal well with a wire whisk or mash it with the back of a ladle to get a smooth, soupy consistency. Add a little warm water if it's too thick.
Make the tempering.
- Heat the ghee in a small pan (tadka pan) over low heat.
- Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the pinch of asafoetida and switch off the heat immediately.
TIPBe careful not to burn the spices. The tempering process should be quick.Combine and serve.
Pour the hot tempering over the cooked dal and stir well. Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves if using.
Serve warm.
Ensure the dal has cooled to a safe temperature before serving to a toddler. It can be served on its own or with a little soft-cooked rice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For very young babies, you can strain the dal to get a clear soup (dal ka paani).
- 2Always check the temperature of the food before feeding it to a child.
- 3You can mash in soft-cooked vegetables like carrots or pumpkin for added nutrition.
- 4The consistency can be adjusted by adding more or less water to suit your child's preference.
- 5Leftover dal can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is extremely healthy. Moong dal is a great source of plant-based protein, is very easy to digest, and is light on the stomach, making it one of the first foods introduced to babies and toddlers in India.
