Moongachi Amti
A comforting and tangy Maharashtrian lentil curry made with yellow moong dal. This light, flavorful dal is spiced with a unique goda masala and balanced with a hint of jaggery and tamarind, making it a perfect everyday meal.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Pressure Cook the Dal
- b.Place the rinsed and soaked moong dal in a pressure cooker.
- c.Add 3 cups of water and 1/4 tsp of the turmeric powder.
- d.Pressure cook on medium heat for 3-4 whistles, or until the dal is completely soft.
- e.Allow the pressure to release naturally. Open the lid and gently mash the dal with a ladle to a slightly coarse consistency.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
- b.Heat oil in a deep pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Add the mustard seeds and allow them to splutter, which takes about 30 seconds.
- d.Add the cumin seeds, hing, slit green chillies, and curry leaves. Sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Spices
- b.Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it turns soft and translucent.
- c.Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- d.Add the chopped tomato and cook for 4-5 minutes until it becomes soft and pulpy.
- e.Lower the heat and add the remaining 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and goda masala. Stir continuously for 30 seconds to prevent burning.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Simmer
- b.Pour the cooked moong dal into the pan with the spice mixture.
- c.Add the remaining 1 cup of water (or more to reach your desired consistency), tamarind paste, jaggery, and salt.
- d.Stir everything together well.
- e.Bring the amti to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes for the flavors to meld beautifully.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- c.Serve Moongachi Amti hot with steamed rice, bhakri, or chapati.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, do not substitute Goda Masala with Garam Masala, as their profiles are very different.
- 2Soaking the moong dal for at least 30 minutes ensures it cooks faster and becomes easier to digest.
- 3Adjust the quantities of jaggery, tamarind, and chilli powder to achieve your preferred balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.
- 4The ideal consistency for amti is slightly thin, like a soup. Add more hot water if it becomes too thick upon simmering or reheating.
- 5For an extra layer of flavor, add a final tempering (tadka) of 1 tsp ghee, a pinch of hing, and 1/4 tsp red chilli powder over the dal just before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Flavor
For a different tangy note, substitute tamarind paste with 2-3 pieces of dried kokum. Add the kokum while the dal is simmering.
Vegetable AdditionVegetable Addition
Incorporate vegetables like drumsticks (moringa) or small pieces of pumpkin. Add them along with the tomatoes and cook until tender.
DietaryDietary
For a no-onion, no-garlic version, simply skip the onion and ginger-garlic paste. The amti will still be flavorful due to the goda masala and other spices.
RichnessRichness
For a richer flavor, add 1-2 tablespoons of grated dry coconut (kopra) along with the goda masala and sauté for a minute.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Moong dal is a powerhouse of plant-based protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Promotes Digestive Health
Being light and easy to digest, moong dal, along with its fiber content, helps maintain a healthy digestive system and prevents constipation.
Rich in Essential Nutrients
This dal is a good source of essential nutrients like potassium, magnesium, iron, and B vitamins, which are vital for energy production and overall well-being.
Heart-Healthy
Low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and high in fiber, this dish can help manage cholesterol levels and support cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
Goda Masala is a unique Maharashtrian spice blend with a sweet and pungent aroma, containing ingredients like coconut, sesame seeds, and stone flower. For the most authentic taste, it's highly recommended. In a pinch, you could use garam masala, but the flavor profile will be significantly different.