Quick Dal Recipe Tips: Sometimes plain lentils and rice, sometimes tadka dal, sometimes khichdi; their taste is loved in every form. But sometimes, cooking is quick, and the lentils take longer to cook.

How to cook lentils quickly?

Easy Hacks To Soften Pulses Quickly: Lentils are a staple of Indian cuisine, cooked daily in almost every household. Whether plain dal-rice, tadka dal, or khichdi, their flavor is enjoyed in every form. But sometimes, when you need to cook quickly and the lentils take too long to soften, the entire process slows down. If this happens to you, then by adopting some simple kitchen tricks, you can soften the lentils in less time, without compromising on their taste and nutrition.

How should lentils be cooked?

The first method is to lightly dry roast the lentils before cooking them. Stir-fry them in a pan over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes. This cooks them faster and improves their flavor. Ensure the lentils don't change color; fry them only until they release a mild aroma. If you're short on time, choosing the right lentils is crucial. Dehusked lentils like masoor dal, moong dal, and arhar dal cook faster than whole lentils. They can be a better choice for everyday meals.

Be careful with salt.

Another thing to keep in mind when cooking lentils is to avoid adding salt at the beginning. Many cooking experts believe that adding salt early can make the lentils take longer to soften. Therefore, let the lentils cook thoroughly and add salt at the end. This will help them cook faster and taste better.

Keep this in mind as well.

Similarly, avoid adding sour ingredients like tomatoes, tamarind, or lemon early. The acidic properties in these can delay the lentils from softening. It's best to add tomatoes only after the lentils are almost cooked, and then prepare the tempering. If you need to prepare the lentils quickly, a pinch of baking soda can also help. It's believed to help soften the lentils faster. However, keep the amount very small, as too much baking soda can affect the taste and color of the lentils.

These mistakes should be avoided.

Even small mistakes can increase cooking time. For example, cooking lentils without washing them, adding more water than necessary, or cooking them on a very low heat from the start. Wash the lentils thoroughly, add only the required amount of water, and bring them to a rapid boil. Then, reduce the heat and cook. To make the lentils delicious, add a tadka of ghee, cumin, garlic, onion, and coriander leaves at the end. This not only enhances the flavor but also makes even simple lentils truly delicious.