Kolhapuri Whole Masoor Dal - Spicy Whole Red Lentils

Kolhapuri Akkha Masoor Dal 

Spicy Whole Red Lentils

 Kolhapuri akkha massor dal or whole red lentils is a spicy lentil preparation that comes from Kolhapur in the western state of Maharashtra, India. Kolhapur is known for its great food and culture. Whole red lentils are cooked in an aromatic sauce made with spices, tomatoes and coconut.  

 This one pot recipe of akkha massor dal is super easy to make and goes very well with roti/naan or steamed rice.                 

 (serves 4)

 1 cup -  Whole red lentils (rinsed)

 1 cup - Tomatoes , quartered

 2/3 cup - Onion , chopped

 1 tablespoon -  Ginger 

 6-8 Cloves  - Garlic

 2 tablespoons - Oil 

 1/2 teaspoon - Cumin seeds 

 1/2 teaspoon - Mustard seeds 

 1/2 teaspoon - Red chili powder/Cayenne (adjust to taste)

 1.5 teaspoon - Salt (adjust to  taste)

 1/2 teaspoon - Turmeric powder    

 1/2 cup - Grated coconut (fresh or frozen)

 1/4 cup - Fresh Cilatro,  chopped

 1-2  - Green Chillies  (adjust to  taste)

 1 teaspoon -  Kolhapuri masala or Garam Masala*      

 2.5 cups - Water

*Kolhapuri masala is a spice blend that consists of roasted garlic, onions, poppy seeds, dried coconut, red chillies, coriander seeds and garam masala. You can find it in Indian stores or online stores. Garam masala can be used in place of Kolhapuri masala along with some additional cayenne and coriander powder.

Step by step video recipe can be found here:

Electric Pressure Cooker / Instant Pot Directions:

1. Start the saute mode and add oil.

2. Add the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, green chillies  and chopped onions 

3. Make a smooth  paste of tomatoes, ginger and garlic.

4. Add the blended tomato mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes. Cancel the sauté mode.

5. Add the whole masoor dal, salt and all the spices.

6. Cook on high pressure for 7 minutes and let the pressure release naturally.

7. Once the pressure releases, add  half of the the coconut and the cilantro.

8. Garnish with the remaining coconut and cilantro.

9. Spicy masoor dal pairs well with rice, roti or naan.

Stovetop  Directions:

1. Heat a thick bottom pan or sovetop pressure cooker and add oil.

2. Add the mustard seeds, cumin seeds , green chillies and chopped onions.

3. Make a smooth  paste of tomatoes, ginger and garlic.

4. Add the blended tomato mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes.

5. Add the whole masoor dal, salt and all the spices.

6. Add the water  and mix well. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes until the lentils are cooked. For pressure cooker:cook medium heat for 3 whistles and on simmer for 5 minutes.

7. Once the pressure releases, add half of the the coconut and the cilantro

8. Garnish with the remaining coconut.and cilantro.

9. Spicy masoor dal pairs well with rice, roti or naan.