Moth Dal with Egg Bhurji
A hearty and protein-packed curry featuring creamy moth bean dal topped with spicy, flavorful Indian scrambled eggs (bhurji). This unique dish is a wholesome meal, perfect with hot rotis or rice.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Soak the Moth Beans
- b.Rinse 1 cup of moth beans thoroughly under running water.
- c.Soak them in 4 cups of water for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight. This ensures they cook evenly.
- d.After soaking, drain the water completely and set the beans aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Pressure Cook the Dal
- b.In a pressure cooker, combine the soaked and drained moth beans, 3 cups of fresh water, 0.5 tsp of turmeric powder, and 1 tsp of salt.
- c.Stir well, secure the lid, and pressure cook on medium heat for 4-5 whistles (approximately 15-20 minutes) until the beans are soft and fully cooked.
- d.Allow the pressure to release naturally before opening the lid.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Dal Masala
- b.While the dal is cooking, heat 2 tbsp of oil in a kadai or deep pan over medium heat.
- c.Add 1 tsp of cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add 0.25 tsp of hing and sauté for 10 seconds.
- d.Add half of the chopped onions (approx. 1 onion) and sauté for 5-6 minutes until they turn golden brown.
- e.Stir in 1 tbsp of ginger-garlic paste and 2 of the chopped green chilies. Cook for 1 minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- f.Add two-thirds of the chopped tomatoes (approx. 2 tomatoes), 0.25 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp red chili powder, and 1.5 tsp coriander powder. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are mushy and oil begins to separate from the masala.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Simmer the Dal
- b.Carefully pour the cooked moth beans along with their cooking liquid into the prepared masala.
- c.Mix everything well. Stir in 0.5 tsp garam masala and the remaining 0.25 tsp salt. Using the back of your spoon, gently mash some of the beans against the side of the pan to thicken the dal.
- d.Bring the dal to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Adjust consistency with a little hot water if it's too thick.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Prepare the Egg Bhurji Topping
- b.In a separate small pan, heat the remaining 1 tbsp of oil over medium heat.
- c.Add the reserved chopped onion (approx. 1 onion) and the last green chili. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
- d.Add the reserved chopped tomato (approx. 1 tomato) and cook for 2 minutes until it softens.
- e.Crack the 4 eggs directly into the pan. Immediately add the remaining 0.25 tsp red chili powder and 0.5 tsp salt.
- f.Stir and scramble the eggs continuously for 2-3 minutes until they are cooked but still soft and moist. Avoid overcooking to keep the bhurji tender.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.Ladle the hot moth dal into serving bowls.
- c.Generously top each serving of dal with the freshly prepared egg bhurji.
- d.Garnish with fresh chopped coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.
- e.Serve immediately with hot roti, chapati, or steamed basmati rice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Soaking the moth beans is a crucial step; do not skip it as it ensures a creamy texture and even cooking.
- 2For a richer flavor, prepare the dal masala and egg bhurji in ghee instead of oil.
- 3Don't overcook the egg bhurji. It should be soft and slightly moist to provide a pleasant textural contrast to the dal.
- 4You can use sprouted moth beans for an extra nutritional boost and a slightly crunchier texture.
- 5To make the dal creamier without mashing, you can blend a small portion (about 1/4 cup) of the cooked dal and add it back to the pot.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
For a vegan version, omit the eggs and top the dal with a scramble made from firm tofu or chickpeas. Crumble the tofu and cook it with the bhurji spices.
VegetarianVegetarian
Replace the eggs with 150g of crumbled paneer to make a delicious Paneer Bhurji topping.
SpicierSpicier
Increase the heat by adding more green chilies or a pinch of black pepper powder to both the dal and the bhurji.
Different LentilDifferent Lentil
If moth beans are unavailable, this recipe also works well with whole green moong dal or masoor dal (red lentils), though cooking times may vary.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
This dish combines plant-based protein from moth beans and high-quality complete protein from eggs, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Moth beans are packed with dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, prevents constipation, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness, supporting weight management.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
A great source of essential nutrients. The beans provide iron, magnesium, and folate, while the eggs offer Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and choline, supporting energy production, bone health, and brain function.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is a very healthy and balanced dish. It's an excellent source of protein from both the moth beans and eggs, and rich in dietary fiber from the beans. This combination helps in muscle maintenance, aids digestion, and provides sustained energy.