Soft Toor Dal
A simple, nourishing, and easily digestible lentil dish perfect for toddlers. This creamy toor dal is gently spiced with cumin and turmeric, providing a comforting and protein-rich meal.
For 4 servings
Prepare the dal
Rinse the toor dal thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. If you have time, soak the dal in warm water for 30 minutes to help it cook faster and improve digestion.
TIPSoaking is optional but recommended for a creamier texture and easier digestion for toddlers.Pressure cook the dal
- Add the rinsed dal, 1.5 cups of water, chopped tomato, grated ginger, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt to a pressure cooker.
- Stir everything together.
- Close the lid and pressure cook on medium heat for 4-5 whistles, or until the dal is completely soft and mushy.
TIPThe dal should be overcooked to ensure it's very soft and easy for a toddler to eat.Mash the dal
Once the pressure has released naturally, open the cooker. Use a whisk or a potato masher to mash the dal until it's smooth and creamy. If the dal seems too thick, add a little warm water to reach a soupy consistency.
Make the tempering
- Heat 1 tsp of ghee in a small pan (tadka pan) over low heat.
- Once the ghee is melted and warm, add the cumin seeds.
- Let the cumin seeds sizzle and become fragrant for about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn them.
TIPKeep the heat low to prevent the spices from burning, which can make the dal taste bitter.Combine and serve
Pour the hot tempering over the mashed dal and mix well. Let it cool down to a safe temperature before serving to your toddler. It can be served as is or mixed with a little soft-cooked rice.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For an even smoother texture, you can blend the cooked dal with an immersion blender before adding the tempering.
- 2Always check the temperature of the dal before feeding it to a child to prevent burns.
- 3You can add finely grated vegetables like carrot or pumpkin to the pressure cooker along with the dal for extra nutrients.
- 4This dal can be prepared in a larger batch and frozen in individual portions for quick meals.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is very healthy. It's an excellent source of plant-based protein for growth, iron for blood health, and is cooked until soft, making it very easy for a toddler to digest.
