- August 13, 2025
Methi Moong Dal Recipe | Healthy & Tasty Indian Dal with Fenugreek Leaves
Indian cooking is known for its rich tradition of combining lentils with seasonal greens, and Methi Moong Dal Recipe is one of the most wholesome examples. This comforting dish combines yellow moong dal (split yellow gram) with fresh methi leaves (fenugreek leaves) to create a light, protein-packed, and aromatic dal that is both delicious and nutritious.
Whether you’re looking for an easy methi moong dal recipe, a quick methi moong dal for lunch, or a methi moong dal sabzi that pairs well with chapati or rice, this dish will be a regular addition to your weekly meal plan.
Why You’ll Love Methi Moong Dal
Light and Healthy – This healthy methi moong dal recipe is low in fat, easy to digest, and rich in proteins, fiber, iron, and folate.
Balanced Flavors – The bitterness of methi leaves is balanced beautifully by the mild sweetness of moong dal.
Quick and Easy – If you’re a beginner, this is a quick methi moong dal for beginners that cooks in under 30 minutes.
Customizable – You can prepare it as a simple methi moong dal curry or even a methi moong dal stir-fry for variety.
Diet-Friendly – Ideal for gluten-free diets, Jain households (as Jain methi moong dal), or those looking for a protein-rich methi moong dal option.
Ingredients for Methi Moong Dal Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need for this Gujarati methi moong dal recipe (serves 3–4 people):
1 cup yellow moong dal (split yellow gram), soaked for 20 minutes
2 cups fresh methi (fenugreek) leaves, washed and chopped finely
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
2 green chilies, slit
1-inch ginger, grated
2 tbsp ghee or oil
½ tsp cumin seeds
½ tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chili powder
½ tsp coriander powder
Salt, to taste
2½ cups water
Optional: 1 tsp lemon juice, a pinch of hing (asafoetida)
Step-by-Step Method: How to Make Methi Moong Dal
Step 1: Preparing the Dal
Wash the moong dal thoroughly.
Soak it for about 20 minutes (optional but helps in faster cooking).
Drain and keep aside.
Step 2: Cooking in Pressure Cooker
For a pressure cooker methi moong dal, follow these steps:
Heat ghee or oil in the cooker.
Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
Add green chilies and ginger, sauté for a few seconds.
Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Cook until tomatoes soften.
Add methi leaves and sauté for 2–3 minutes.
Add soaked moong dal, salt, and water.
Close the lid and cook for 2–3 whistles.
Once pressure releases, open and stir well. Add lemon juice if desired.
Step 3: Making a Stir-Fry Version (Dry Sabzi)
If you want a methi moong dal sabzi (dry stir-fry):
Use only ½ cup water while cooking the dal.
Cook until the water evaporates, leaving a semi-dry mix of moong dal and methi.
This
methi moong dal stir-fry goes well with rotis and parathas.
Variations of Methi Moong Dal
Jain Methi Moong Dal – Skip onions and garlic to prepare a methi moong dal without onion garlic, perfect for Jain households.
Gujarati Methi Moong Dal Recipe – Add a touch of jaggery for a sweet-sour balance, similar to traditional Gujarati dals.
Protein-Rich Methi Moong Dal – Mix moong dal with toor dal or masoor dal for extra protein and flavor.
Light Methi Moong Dal Recipe – Use less ghee and spices for a light methi moong dal ideal for kids and elderly.
Lunch Box Methi Moong Dal – Prepare a dry version with less water for a methi moong dal lunch box recipe that stays fresh longer.
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Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: ~180 kcal
Protein: 10 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fat: 5 g
Fiber: 6 g
Iron: 12% of daily needs
This makes it a healthy dal with methi and moong, perfect for weight management and overall health.
Tips for the Perfect Methi Moong Dal
Always wash methi leaves well to remove bitterness and dirt.
For a quick methi moong dal, use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot.
Adjust water to get your desired consistency—thick for sabzi, thin for dal.
Add a dollop of ghee before serving for extra flavor.
Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.
What to Serve with Methi Moong Dal?
Steamed Rice – The classic combination.
Phulka or Chapati – Perfect for the dry version.
Paratha or Thepla – A wholesome Gujarati-style meal.
Curd or Raita – Adds cooling balance.
FAQs About Methi Moong Dal Recipe
Q1: Is methi moong dal healthy?
Yes, this healthy methi moong dal recipe is high in protein, fiber, and iron, making it excellent for overall health.
Q2: Can I make methi moong dal without onion and garlic?
Absolutely! A methi moong dal without onion garlic tastes just as good and is perfect for Jain cooking.
Q3: How do I reduce the bitterness of methi?
Soak methi leaves in salted water for 10 minutes, then rinse before cooking.
Q4: Can I make this as a dry sabzi?
Yes, prepare the methi moong dal stir-fry version by reducing water and cooking until dry.
Q5: Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes, this is a quick methi moong dal for beginners, needing minimal ingredients and steps.
Interesting Facts
The Methi Moong Dal Recipe is one of those timeless Indian dishes that strikes a perfect balance between taste and health. From a simple methi moong dal made in a pressure cooker to a Gujarati methi moong dal recipe with a hint of jaggery, the variations are endless.
Whether you want a protein-rich methi moong dal for a healthy diet, a Jain methi moong dal without onion and garlic, or a methi moong dal lunch box recipe, this dish adapts beautifully to all needs.
So next time you bring fresh methi leaves home, try this versatile dal recipe. Pair it with rice, chapati, or parathas, and you’ll have a wholesome, comforting meal ready in no time.
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