🇮🇳 Indian Vegetarian

Varan

Name: Varan
Prep time: 13 min
Cook time: 31 min
Total time: 44 min
Yield: 3 servings
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste; 1/2 tsp Garam Masala; to taste Salt; 1, finely chopped Onion; 2, chopped Tomato; 1-2, slit Green Chili; 1 tsp Cumin Seeds; 3 tbsp Ghee; 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder; 1 cup, rinsed Yellow Lentils (Toor Dal); 1 Lemon; 3/4 cup, grated Jaggery

🇮🇳 Indian

Maharashtrian varan — plain dal, jaggery warmth, ghee generosity. Comfort at a simmer — soft, turmeric-gold and ghee-slicked. Perfect with jeera rice and papad on the side.

Prep 13 min Cook 31 min Serves 3 Medium

Ingredients

Ginger Garlic Paste1 tbsp
Garam Masala1/2 tsp
Saltto taste
Onion1, finely chopped
Tomato2, chopped
Green Chili1-2, slit
Cumin Seeds1 tsp
Ghee3 tbsp
Turmeric Powder1/2 tsp
Yellow Lentils (Toor Dal)1 cup, rinsed
Lemon1
Jaggery3/4 cup, grated

Optional extras

Fresh Cilantro2 tbsp, chopped

Instructions

1
Rinse the yellow lentils (toor dal) in several changes of water till it runs clear, then pressure-cook with turmeric, salt and plenty of water until completely soft.
2
Mash the dal lightly against the side of the pot; leave some texture.
3
Warm the ghee, drop in cumin and mustard seeds if using, and let them pop before the onions go in.
4
Add the jaggery to the pan and cook till jammy, then tip everything into the dal and simmer ten minutes so the flavours marry.
5
Taste for salt and sourness; a squeeze of lemon at the end makes the dal taste of itself, only louder.

Chef's tip

Taste as you go — chili heat, salt and sourness should all lift each other, not fight.

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Video: Varan Bhaat Recipe | Rice Dal Recipe | Maharastrian Recipes | Lunch Recipes | Simple Varan Recipe · on YouTube