Masoor Dal Biryani | Brown Lentil Biryani

Masoor dal biryani

When it comes to biryanis we either think about Chicken biryani or Veg biryani. But there are more options than the classic ones. People assume that biryani won’t taste good without the “popular” ingredients. Let me tell you that’s not the case, biryani can taste good with other things as well.

Just like this masoor dal or brown lentil biryani, it tastes absolutely amazing. This biryani has all those layers of fried onion, coriander and mint leaves, saffron milk etc. that goes in the making of biryanis.

Basic Ingredients for Masoor Dal Biryani:

• Firstly, Whole Masoor Dal- Whole brown lentils.
• Spices- A combination of spices to bring flavors in the biryani.
• Basmati rice-Biryani always tastes better when made with basmati rice.
• Saffron milk-To gives a nice flavor and color.
• Tomato, Onion, and ginger garlic paste-Adds texture and taste into the biryani.

How to make Masoor Dal Biryani?

To make any kind of biryani there are two steps. Cook the rice separately, make the base masala and set layers. So here also we need to cook the rice first and while rice is cooking start preparing the whole masoor dal. Make the onion tomato masala, add the soaked dal. Pressure cook until dal is soft for about 3-4 whistles.

Now add the layers of dal followed by the rice layer in a heavy bottom pot. Top it up with fried onion, coriander-mint leaves, saffron milk, and ghee.

Finally, cook the biryani on dum so that the flavors combine with the rice. Gently mix the biryani before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this amazing biryani with raita, mint chutney and pappadums.

Looking for more such rice recipes to get some ideas for your lunch and dinner ideas? Do not miss my Vegan Tex Mex Rice and Quick Carrot Biryani and the best one’s Veg Layered Biryani.

*If you ever try this recipe don’t forget to share your photos with me on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter or tag me on Instagram @cookingwithsapana using the hashtag #cookingwithsapana and stay connected* I would love to see your creations from my space!!

Masoor Dal Biryani

Sapana Behl

A very flavorful and delicious biryani made with masoor dal or brown lentils. Pair it with your favorite raita and enjoy.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4 People

Calories 21859 kcal

Equipment

• Heavy Bottom Pan
• Pressure Cooker

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

For rice

• 500 gm basmati rice
• 4 -5 cloves
• 4-5 peppercorn
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cinnamon stick

To grind

• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 ″ ginger piece
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon coriander powder
• 2 dry red chilli

For masoor dal

• 250 gm brown lentil/masoor dal
• 2-3 onions thinly sliced
• 2 tomatoes chopped
• 2 green chillies chopped
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
• 2 teaspoon garam masala
• salt to taste

Other ingredients

• 1 potato cut in cubes(optional)
• 1 tomato cut in roundels
• few coriander leaves chopped
• few saffron strands
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup oil
• 2 tablespoon ghee/clarified butter

Instructions

 

Make rice

• Wash and soak basmati rice in enough water for 20-30 minutes. Cook adding a tablespoon of oil, bay leaves, cinnamon, cloves, peppercorn and 3 cups of water in an saucepan or big pot Cook the rice covered on medium heat for about 12-15 minutes or until the water is absorbed.
• Remove thr rice from heat, transfer them in a big plate or baking trya, spread even,y with for and let them cool. This process will ensure that the rice won;t cook more in their own heat.

Make brown lentil/masoor dal

• Make a paste of ingredients under “to grind ” with the help of a little water in a blender or food processor.
• Wash and soak brown lentils in enough water. Heat 4 tablespoon oil in a pressure cooker or big pot, add onions.

  Fry the onions till golden in color. (Remove some fried onions and save for using later while layering the biryani).Now add the ground paste and sauté well.
• Add chopped tomatoes, green chilies and mix well. Add turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, coriander powder, and salt and cook till oil comes out from edges of the pan.
• Add soaked masoor lentil and 1 cup water, cook for 4 whistles.( If you are using the pot or pan then cook the lentils on low medium heat for about 30 minutes. In that case add 2 cups or more water to let the lentils cook properly).
  
• Heat remaining oil in a pan and fry the potatoes in cubes. Remove from oil and set aside.
• Add saffron in warm milk and set aside.

Assembling

• In a cooking heavy bottom pot, pour 1 tablespoon of milk, tomato slices, and a pinch of garam masala with a tablespoon of oil over it.
• Put a portion of the rice and spread it evenly, sprinkle fried potatoes, the fried onions which we saved, coriander leaves, garam masala.
• Put the masoor/lentil mixture on it and spread it evenly.Finally, add the remaining rice on it and spread it evenly.
• Pour the remaining milk , potatoes and coriander leaves over it.
• Cover and cook on simmer(verly low heat) for10-15 minutes.
  
• Serve hot garnished with coriander leaves. Enjoy!!

Notes

1. Adjust the spices as per your taste.
2. You may also cook the lentils in a pot but it may take a little bit more time.
3. You can also arrange the layers of biryani in a baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 200 degrees C for 15-20 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 21859kcalCarbohydrates: 4818.3gProtein: 524.2gFat: 278.1gSaturated Fat: 3.8gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 86mgPotassium: 334mgFiber: 266.7gSugar: 6.8gCalcium: 135mgIron: 7mg

Keyword brown lentil biyani, how to make masoor dal biryani, masoor dal biryani, masoor dal biryani recipe

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Best Regards,
Sapana Behl