Dal Kaddu Recipe – Easy Pakistani Style Lentil & Pumpkin Curry

      Dal kadu recipe. Desi comfort

Dal Kaddu is a simple, comforting and flavorful Pakistani-style dish made with yellow lentils (moong dal) and soft pumpkin. It is lightly spiced, creamy and perfect for a wholesome everyday lunch or dinner. Serve it with hot roti, naan or steamed rice for a delicious homemade meal.

Make this easy Pakistani-style Dal Kaddu recipe with moong dal, pumpkin and aromatic spices. A comforting homemade dish perfect with roti or rice.

Ingredients:

1 cup moong dal

2 cups kaddu (pumpkin), peeled and cubed

1 medium onion, finely sliced

2 tomatoes, chopped

2 green chilies, sliced

1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

½ teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon red chili powder

1 teaspoon coriander powder

½ teaspoon cumin seeds

Salt to taste

3 tablespoons cooking oil

3 cups water

½ teaspoon garam masala

Fresh coriander, for garnish

For the Tadka:

2 tablespoons oil

½ teaspoon cumin seeds

2–3 dried red chilies

½ teaspoon red chili flakes

2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

How to Make Dal Kaddu

• Wash the dal:

 Rinse the moong dal thoroughly and soak it for about 15–20 minutes.

• Cook the dal: 

Add soaked dal, turmeric, salt and water to a pot. Cook until the dal becomes soft and tender.

• Prepare the masala:

 Heat oil in another pan. Add cumin seeds and sliced onion. Fry until the onion becomes lightly golden.

 Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for about 30 seconds. Add chopped tomatoes, red chili powder and coriander powder. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and the oil starts separating.

• Add kaddu: 

Add the cubed pumpkin and mix well with the masala. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes until the kaddu becomes tender.

• Combine: 

Add the cooked dal and mix gently. Simmer for another 5–7 minutes. Adjust the consistency with a little water if needed.

• Sprinkle garam masala and add sliced green chilies.

• Make the tadka:

 Heat oil in a small pan. Add cumin seeds, dried red chilies, garlic and chili flakes. Fry until the garlic turns golden.

Pour the hot tadka over the Dal Kaddu and garnish with fresh coriander.

Serving Suggestions:

Dal Kaddu tastes delicious with:

Hot roti

Chapati

Naan

Steamed basmati rice

Jeera rice

Fresh salad and raita

Tips for Perfect Dal Kaddu:

Don't overcook the pumpkin or it can become completely mushy.

For a creamier dal, mash a small portion of the cooked dal before combining it with the kaddu.

Adjust the water according to your preferred consistency.

A generous garlic tadka gives this dish a wonderful aroma and flavor.