Desi Indian Moong Dal Recipe – Comforting, Healthy, and Authentically Desi | Cooking with Nabila Imran
There’s something magical about a warm bowl of moong dal — golden, smooth, and full of Desi comfort.
This Desi Indian Moong Dal recipe by Cooking with Nabila Imran brings that authentic home-cooked goodness right to your table.
Whether you live in Pakistan, India, or abroad in the USA, UK, Canada, UAE, or Saudi Arabia, this dish instantly reminds you of home.
At Sister’s Cuisines, every recipe carries a touch of nostalgia.
The simple, soulful moong dal is proof that you don’t need expensive ingredients to create something delicious.
It’s humble yet hearty — a dish that defines the beauty of South Asian food.
🥣 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Authentic Desi taste
High in protein and fiber
Quick and easy to prepare
Perfect for both rice and roti lovers
Can be customized for keto or diabetic diets
Uses ingredients you already have in your kitchen
This Desi Indian Moong Dal Recipe fits right into everyday family meals, but it’s also wholesome enough to serve guests — a perfect balance between tradition and health.
🌾 Ingredients You’ll Need
Split Moong Dal (Yellow Lentils) – 1 cup
Water – 3 cups (or as needed)
Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
Tomato – 1 medium, finely chopped
Ginger Garlic Paste – 1 tbsp
Green Chilies – 2, chopped
Salt – to taste
Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp
Red Chili Powder – ½ tsp
Coriander Powder – 1 tbsp
Garam Masala – ¼ tsp
Cumin Seeds – ½ tsp
Clarified Butter (Ghee) or Oil – 2 tbsp
Asafoetida (Hing) – a pinch (optional)
Dried Red Chilies – 2
Fresh Coriander Leaves – for garnish
Lemon Juice – 1 tbsp
For Keto or Diabetic-Friendly Versions:
Use less oil, skip tomatoes, and serve with low-carb bread or cauliflower rice for a complete, protein-rich meal.
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🔥 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Soak and Boil
Rinse the moong dal thoroughly until water runs clear. Soak for 15–20 minutes.
Boil it with salt and turmeric until soft and mushy. If using a pressure cooker, give 3 whistles.
Step 2: Make the Tadka (Tempering)
In a small pan, heat ghee or oil. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
Add onions and fry until golden brown. Then add ginger garlic paste and cook for 1 minute.
Add tomatoes, red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Sauté until the oil separates.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Pour the boiled dal into the prepared masala. Stir well and adjust salt or water as needed.
Let it simmer for 5–10 minutes so that all the flavors blend beautifully.
Step 4: Final Touch
Add a squeeze of lemon juice and freshly chopped coriander leaves before serving.
For an extra punch, drizzle a spoon of desi ghee on top.
🌿 Health Benefits of Moong Dal
Moong dal is packed with nutrients and is one of the healthiest lentils you can eat.
It’s rich in protein, fiber, potassium, and iron — making it ideal for weight management and heart health.
It’s light on digestion, so even kids and elders love it.
If you follow a keto diet or prefer healthy food recipes, this dish fits perfectly into your meal plan.
Low in fat and high in protein — the kind of food that keeps you full and energized.
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🧡 About Me – Nabila Imran
Hi, I’m Nabila Imran, founder of Sister’s Cuisines and the face behind Cooking with Nabila Imran.
Though I have a Master’s degree in International Relations, my true calling is food — the art of bringing cultures, colors, and cuisines together.
My channel is all about authentic Desi recipes from Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Turkey, and Iran.
I specialize in traditional meat dishes like lamb, mutton, beef, chicken, prawns, and squid —
along with vegetarian and healthy recipes for modern diets like keto and diabetic-friendly meals.
What makes Cooking with Nabila Imran different is its heart.
It’s not just about ingredients; it’s about the stories behind them —
the kitchens of Lahore, the dhabas of Delhi, the grills of Kabul, and the spices of Karachi.
My goal is simple: to bring the taste of Desi heritage to global audiences —
to connect food lovers across the USA, UK, Canada, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and beyond.
🌍 About Sister’s Cuisines
Sister’s Cuisines is more than just a cooking channel — it’s a digital kitchen where Desi flavors meet modern storytelling.
Here, every recipe is crafted to help you cook confidently while feeling closer to your roots.
From Best Pakistani Recipes like Aloo Gosht and Nihari, to Best Indian Recipes like Paneer Butter Masala and Moong Dal,
my aim is to keep Desi culture alive in every home kitchen.
The channel blends humor, warmth, and step-by-step clarity — making every video enjoyable even for beginners.
You’ll find a mix of dhaba-style food, festive dishes, and healthy daily meals — all made with the aroma of Desi ghee and love.
🍛 Pro Tips for Perfect Moong Dal
Keep the consistency thinner for rice, thicker for roti
Add a coal smoke (dhungar) for authentic dhaba-style flavor
A spoon of ghee before serving enhances aroma
Add spinach or lauki for extra nutrition
Store leftovers in the fridge for 2 days and reheat with little water
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with steamed basmati rice or soft tandoori roti.
Add pickle and salad for a complete Desi comfort meal.
For a light option, enjoy it as lentil soup with lemon wedges.
❤️ Closing Thoughts
This Desi Indian Moong Dal is not just a recipe — it’s comfort, tradition, and love in every spoon.
It connects you to your roots, your family, and your culture — no matter where you are in the world.
Through Cooking with Nabila Imran and Sister’s Cuisines,
I want to continue sharing authentic Desi flavors that cross borders and unite hearts.
If you enjoy my recipes, don’t forget to subscribe and share the warmth of Desi cooking with your loved ones.
🌐 Connect with Me
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@sisterscuisines001
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sisters.cuisine2?_t=ZS-8yNUewCIQa2&_r=1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nabilashah26?igsh=MXF6dWk
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16JBrbESPY/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Blog: https://sisters-cuisines-recipes.blogspot.com/
My Few other interesting blogs are listed below.
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