There are many different regional and traditional foods that make up Indian cuisine. It is flavorful, spicy, and exotic on the one hand while being quick, simple, and humble on the other. Indian cuisine ranges from delectable dishes like Tandoori Chicken, Dal Makhni, and Butter Paneer to hearty dishes like Khichdi, Dal Chawal, and Sabzi Roti. Dal rice or Dal chawal is one comfort food that we eat on a regular basis. No matter how many fancy and unusual cuisines we have, love for dal chawal can never be replaced by a true Indian. The dish's sensation of fulfilment cannot be replaced. Additionally, it is thought to be particularly healthful for even children and has a high nutritional content. Dal chawal is a fantastic meal option because of its many health advantages.
For growing children, dal and chawal is a fantastic and incredibly healthy combination. The combination provides an ideal portion to sate the appetite of a developing, healthy baby thanks to its surplus protein and high nutritious content. Four parts of cereal protein, rice and one part of dal is the most efficient ratio for maximising supplemental benefits.
After the months of weaning, the Indian thali of dal chawal is highly beneficial for kids. The body needs amino acids for the production of proteins, and both dal and rice include sulphur-based amino acids. Rice and dal together promote protein synthesis, which helps to develop and strengthen the body. Approximately 290 kcal and 1.3 gm of protein are found in one medium-sized bowl or cup of dal rice.
Instead of starting with whole wheat pulses, one should start with easily digestible washed pulses such moong dhuli dal, lal masoor dal, and arhar dal with a tadka(tempering) of asafoetida (hing). A kid between the ages of one and two years old needs 2 g of plant protein or protein from dals daily. The dal and rice combination fills the child up and makes them feel full.
Pulses and legumes contain a lot of lyesin in their protein (an essential amino acid and a building block of protein). They enhance calcium absorption and aid the kidneys in retaining the mineral, which encourages the growth of new blood vessels. The finest protein source for vegetarian diets is dals. Important sources of B vitamins, particularly thiamine, include dal and rice. Although they are high in calcium and iron, cereals are thought to have a low fat content. While grains and pulses with higher fat content—visible and invisible—help to meet EFA (Essential Fatty Acids) requirements.
Most importantly, the rice and dal should both be overcooked because kids swallow their food rather than chewing, which makes an overcooked version easier to digest. Dal and rice gain more nutrition and become more pleasant when cow's ghee is added. To make dal rice appealing to kids and encourage them to learn about different colours, the dal can be changed daily.