Dal is an essential dish that is eaten every day in many parts of India. From north to south, east to west, and every nook and cranny in between, dal is a beloved comfort food that is enjoyed by millions. Made from lentils, peas, or beans, dal is a rich source of protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious and wholesome addition to any diet.
Dal is versatile and can be prepared in a variety of styles, each with its own unique flavors and aromas. From the creamy and buttery dal makhani of Punjab to the tangy and spicy sambar of South India, the different styles of dal reflect the diverse culinary traditions of the country.
In this ultimate dal collection, we have put together ten of the best dal recipes that are perfect for every occasion. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for a special occasion, our collection has got you covered. From the classic and comforting dal tadka to the rich and indulgent dal bukhara, each recipe is bursting with flavor and is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
So, get ready to take a culinary journey across India as we explore the diverse and delicious world of dal.
Chana Dal
Chana dal is a staple Indian dish made from split chickpeas. To prepare this dish, soak the dal overnight and then boil until soft. In a separate pan, heat ghee and add jeera, ginger, and garlic. Add tomatoes, chopped onions, and spices such as coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Cook until the onions are caramelized, and then add the boiled dal to the mixture. Add water and cook until the dal is tender and the mixture has thickened. Serve hot with steamed rice or naan for a filling and nutritious meal.
Taste: savory and aromatic
Total Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Calories per serving: 240
Moong Dal
Moong dal is a popular dish made from split mung beans. To prepare this dish, soak the dal for a few hours and then boil until soft. In a separate pan, heat ghee and add jeera, ginger, and garlic. Add tomatoes, chopped onions, and spices such as coriander, turmeric, and red chili powder. Cook until the onions are caramelized, and then add the boiled dal to the mixture. Add water and cook until the dal is tender and the mixture has thickened. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with steamed rice or roti.
Taste: spicy and tangy
Total Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Calories per serving: 230
Dal Makhani
Dal Makhani is a rich and creamy Punjabi dish made from black lentils and kidney beans. To prepare this dish, soak the lentils and beans overnight and then boil until soft. In a separate pan, heat butter and add jeera, ginger, and garlic. Add tomatoes and chopped onions, and cook until the mixture is caramelized. Add the boiled lentils and beans to the mixture and cook for several hours until the mixture has thickened. Add cream and garam masala for a rich and creamy flavor. Serve hot with naan or steamed rice.
Taste: creamy and indulgent
Total Time: 8 hours
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Calories per serving: 350
Tadka Dal
Tadka Dal is a flavorful and aromatic dish made from split pigeon peas. To prepare this dish, boil the dal until soft and then set it aside. In a separate pan, heat ghee and add jeera, ginger, garlic, and hing. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chili peppers, and cook until fragrant. Add chopped tomatoes and spices such as coriander, cumin, and turmeric. Cook until the tomatoes are caramelized, and then add the boiled dal to the mixture. Add water and cook until the mixture has thickened. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with steamed rice.
Taste: spicy and fragrant
Total Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Calories per serving: 220
Dhansak Dal
Dhansak Dal is a traditional Parsi dish made from a combination of lentils and vegetables. To prepare this dish, soak a mixture of toor dal, chana dal, and masoor dal overnight and then boil until soft. Temper cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves in a pan lined with ghee. Add diced onions and cook until caramelized. Add jeera, ginger, garlic, and whole green chilies, and cook until fragrant. Add chopped tomatoes and spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Cook until the tomatoes have broken down, and then add chopped vegetables such as pumpkin, eggplant, and potatoes. Cook until the vegetables are tender, and then add the boiled lentils to the mixture. Add water and cook until the mixture has thickened. Serve hot with steamed rice or roti for a hearty and wholesome meal.
Taste: tangy and flavorful
Total Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Calories per serving: 280
Masoor Dal
Masoor dal is a simple and nutritious dish made from red lentils. To prepare this dish, boil the lentils until soft and set aside. Temper jeera, ginger, and garlic in a pan lined with ghee. Add the chopped onions and cook until caramelized. Add chopped tomatoes and spices such as coriander, turmeric, and red chili powder. Cook until the tomatoes are soft, and then add the boiled lentils to the mixture. Add water and cook until the mixture has thickened. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with steamed rice or naan.
Taste: spicy and tangy
Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Calories per serving: 220
Methi Dal
Methi dal is a flavorful and healthy dish made from fenugreek leaves and yellow lentils. To prepare this dish, soak the lentils for a few hours and then boil until soft. In a separate pan, heat ghee and add jeera, ginger, and garlic. Add the chopped onions and cook until caramelized. Add the chopped tomatoes and fenugreek leaves and cook until the tomatoes are soft. Add spices such as coriander, turmeric, and red chili powder. Add the boiled lentils to the mixture and cook until the mixture has thickened. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with steamed rice or roti.
Taste: bitter and fragrant
Total Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 220
Rajma Dal
Rajma dal is a popular North Indian dish made from kidney beans. To prepare this dish, soak the beans overnight and then boil until soft. In a separate pan, heat ghee and add jeera, ginger, and garlic. Add the chopped onions and cook until caramelized. Add chopped tomatoes and spices such as coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Cook until the tomatoes are soft, and then add the boiled beans to the mixture. Add water and cook until the mixture has thickened. Serve hot with steamed rice or naan for a filling and nutritious meal.
Taste: spicy and flavorful
Total Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Calories per serving: 280
Khichdi
Khichdi is a simple and comforting dish made from a combination of rice and lentils. To prepare this dish, rinse and soak the rice and lentils for a few hours. In a separate pan, heat ghee and add jeera, ginger, and garlic. Add the chopped onions and cook until caramelized. Add chopped tomatoes and spices such as coriander, turmeric, and red chili powder. Add the soaked rice and lentils to the mixture and cook until the mixture has thickened. Serve hot with a dollop of ghee for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Taste: mild and comforting
Total Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Calories per serving: 250
Dal Fry
Dal fry is a simple and delicious dish made from yellow lentils. To prepare this dish, boil the lentils until soft and set aside. Temper jeera, ginger, and garlic in a pan lined with ghee. Add the chopped onions and cook until caramelized. Add chopped tomatoes and spices such as coriander, cumin, and turmeric. Cook until the tomatoes are softened, and then add the boiled lentils to the mixture. Add water and cook until the mixture has thickened. Fry some additional cumin seeds, garlic, and chili peppers in ghee until fragrant, and then add the mixture to the dal. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with steamed rice or naan.
Taste: comforting and flavorful
Total Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Calories per serving: 200
These ten authentic dal recipes are perfect for any occasion and are certain to satisfy your taste buds. Each dish has its own unique blend of spices and flavors that are true to its regional cuisine. From the nutty and comforting Aloo Posto to the spicy and tangy Punjabi Chana Masala, these recipes offer a variety of flavors that are sure to please any palate. So, go ahead and try these recipes and enjoy a delicious and hearty meal with your loved ones!