Many of the recipes you make frequently can be divided into premixes that can be stored in multiple quantities for quick and easy cooking. When you want to make your favorite recipe, just combine the stored premix ingredients and finish the recipe quickly. Premix or instant mix is like a boxed mix you would buy at the store, but this one will be made in your own kitchen. It's also similar to the cookie/soup jar gifts that were popular a while ago. You can also gift this homemade premix to your loved ones.
Measure out multiple quantities of premixed ingredients and store the prepared premix with a copy of the recipe so that whenever required you could prepare it easily. Many types of recipes can be mixed ahead, such as cake mix, cookie dough premix, many Indian snacks and chutney recipes, etc. Breakfast premix is perfect for kids away from family, who have to cook themselves, premix is just a lifesaver, and you can enjoy your favorite fresh homemade breakfast in just 30 minutes. When you have the time to do the preparation you might as well do multiple quantities. Later when you have less time, you can enjoy the homemade recipe as the premix will come in handy. Here I am sharing with you an easy and delicious dal mix recipe that will come in handy for hostel life and a travel friendly recipe.
In Urdu/Hindi, 'Dal' or 'Dahl' is the general term for pulses as well as recipes made from lentils. Lentils or dal are a staple in Indian cuisine and make an excellent plant-based source of protein. Dal is one of the most versatile, healthy, filling and delicious foods. Daal translates to lentils, but when referred to in a food context, it means spicy Indian lentil soup. Dal can be made thick or thin and with any type of dal. It can be made with cream and butter, or with a simple tempering of spices. No matter how it's made, it's sure to be delicious.
To satisfy a dal craving, especially when you don't have access to a kitchen to prepare your favorite dal while traveling or at a hostel, this dal premix recipe comes in handy. This instant dal mix recipe is very special because it can be prepared literally by mixing the powder with water and boiling it. You can add tarka to enhance the taste but it is totally up to you and you may even skip it. The best part of this dal mix recipe is the authenticity. You will never feel that this recipe is made with instant dal premix and not in traditional way. This could be due to the combination of lentils and spices added to the premix which makes it very authentic. In addition, prepared dal can be adjusted to produce any consistency desired.
In a frying pan add all three lentils and dry roast over low flame till fragrant.
Let these lentils (dal) cool down completely. Then transfer to a grinder jar, add dry ginger in it. Grind into a fine powder and keep aside.
In the frying pan heat the cooking oil, add cumin seeds, whole red chilies, black pepper corns, cloves and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Then add bay leaves, curry leaves, dry fenugreek and cook for a minute over low flame.
Now add prepared dal (lentil) powder, salt, red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric, garam masala powder and cumin powder in the frying pan.
Cook and mix everything till well combined. Take the pan off the flame and let the dal mix cool down completely.
You may store this dal premix in any airtight container for up to 6 months.
______________ For Preparing Dal with Dal Premix _______________
In a pot add water and dal mix, combine well.
Turn on the flame and let dal boil for 5 minutes or until it reaches the desired consistency.
Add tadka of your choice for enhanced flavor, turn off the flame, cover the pot with lid so that flavors could get locked with dal.
Dish it out and garnish with chopped fresh coriander.
__________________ Note: I have used 3 types of lentils for preparing this premix but you may add or change the lentils as per your choice.
If you want to make thin dal by adding more water make sure to adjust the salt and spice level.
