Sweet and Spicy Lentils

Name: Sweet and Spicy Lentils (Gujarati Dal)
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 cup split toor dal (split pigeon pea lentils); 1 cup split toor dal (split pigeon pea lentils); 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped; 2 green chiles, finely chopped; 1 bay leaf (tej patta), torn; 1 bay leaf (tej patta), torn; ½ teaspoon turmeric powder; ½ teaspoon red chili powder; 1 tomato, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons jaggery; 1-inch piece cinnamon stick (dalchini), broken; 1-inch piece cinnamon stick (dalchini), broken; 2 tablespoons raw peanuts; Kosher salt; 1 tablespoon ghee; ½ teaspoon mustard seeds; ½ teaspoon cumin seeds; 1 sprig curry leaves, torn; 1 lemon, juiced; 1 lemon, juiced; 6 sprigs cilantro, finely chopped

Gujarati Dal

Preparation info

Yield:
4
servings

Difficulty
Easy

Appears in

Everyday Indian from Archana’s Kitchen

By Archana Doshi

Published 2026

About

This Gujarati dal is a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes that transforms simple lentils into a comforting dish. It’s a personal favorite for its lively flavors and satisfying finish.

Ingredients

1 cup split toor dal (split pigeon pea lentils)
1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and fi

Asia
India
Main course
Vegetarian
Gujarat

Method

In a pressure cooker or electric multi-cooker, add the toor dal, ginger, green chiles, bay leaf, turmeric powder, red chili powder, tomato, jaggery, cinnamon stick, peanuts, 2½ cups of water, and the salt, to taste. Cook for 3 whistles, turn the heat to low, and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. Turn off the heat. Let the pressure release naturally, as the dal will continue to cook. If using an