Moong Dal Delight

This moong dal recipe is tailored for kidney patients, focusing on low sodium and balanced nutrients.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup moong dal (split yellow gram)
• 4 cups water
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 small tomato, finely chopped (optional, as per potassium tolerance)
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 inch ginger, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or a suitable cooking oil
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional, as per tolerance)
• Lemon juice to taste (optional)

Instructions:

Preparation:

1. Rinse the moong dal thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. Soak it in water for about 30 minutes, then drain.

Cooking the Dal:

2. In a medium pot, add the soaked moong dal and 4 cups of water. Bring it to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat and skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
4. Add the turmeric powder and black pepper. Cover and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the dal is soft and cooked through.

Tempering:

5. In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
6. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds until they become fragrant.
7. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté until golden brown.
8. Add the chopped onions and cook until they turn translucent.
9. If using tomatoes, add them now and cook until they soften and blend into the mixture.

Combining:

10. Once the dal is cooked, add the tempering mixture to the pot of cooked dal. Stir well to combine.
11. Let the dal simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Final Touches:

12. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, keeping in mind to use minimal salt. You can skip the salt entirely if required by your dietary restrictions.
13. If desired, add a squeeze of lemon juice for a touch of freshness.
14. Garnish with fresh cilantro if allowed in your diet.

Serving:

15. Serve the moong dal warm. It can be enjoyed on its own or with a small portion of rice or a low-potassium bread, depending on your dietary plan.

Notes:

• Sodium: Avoid adding salt or use a salt substitute recommended by your healthcare provider.
• Potassium: Tomatoes and cilantro contain potassium, so use them sparingly or avoid them based on your potassium restrictions.
• Protein: Moong dal is a good source of plant-based protein but monitor portion sizes as per your dietary requirements.
• Fluid Intake: Keep track of the liquid content in the dal if you have fluid restrictions.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s guidelines regarding dietary restrictions and adjustments.

Kidney-Friendly Moong Dal Delight

Benefits of This Recipe:

1. Low Sodium: This recipe avoids added salt, making it ideal for those needing to manage their sodium intake.
2. Rich in Protein: Moong dal is an excellent source of plant-based protein, helping to meet your protein needs in a kidney-friendly way.
3. Anti-Inflammatory: Ingredients like turmeric and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit overall health.
4. Digestive Health: Garlic and ginger aid in digestion and offer various health benefits.
5. Hydration and Balance: Carefully monitored fluid content helps in managing hydration levels, crucial for kidney health.

Nutritive Value (Per Serving):

• Calories: Approximately 180 kcal
• Protein: 10 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 10 grams
• Fat: 4 grams
• Sodium: Minimal (depends on added salt or substitutes)
• Potassium: Variable (depends on the use of tomato and cilantro)

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Always consult with your dietitian to ensure that this recipe fits your specific dietary needs.