Nothing Like Dal Chawal: Alia Bhatt Expresses Her Love For The Desi Comfort Meal
Image Credit: Alia Bhatt Expresses Her Love For The Desi Comfort Meal

Newly married actress Alia Bhatt made news when she resumed work within days of her much-publicized wedding with actor Ranbir Kapoor. The actress also started the year on a high with the smashing success of ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’, and remember how she celebrated the same with a vegan burger and fries?

The actress is a self-confessed foodie, and often takes to Instagram to flaunt the delicious dishes she tries. If you happen to be one of her loyal followers, you may have already figured that she is perhaps more drawn towards simple, classic favourites. On Monday, she shared a story of her plate of satiating dal chawal. “Nothing like dal chawal. NOTHING!” she wrote in her caption.

Instagram image and story by @aliabhatt

Dal Chawal is the epic comfort food of India, in which a lentil-based dish, quite watery in consistency, is paired with steamed white rice. It is often savoured with papad, pickle, chutney, sabzi or some kind of sabzi. Dal chawal is the simple, everyday meal of most Indians. It also boasts of many health benefits. Here are a few that you must know about.

Health Benefits Of Dal Chawal:

  1. Alia Bhatt is a vegetarian, and most vegetarians are often on a look out for good protein sources. Dal, along with chawal, makes for a complete and wonderful package of protein. Protein helps build muscle, aid weight loss. It is also essential for the health of your skin, nails and hair.
  2. Lentils and pulses are an incredible source of essential fibre (which is good for heart and digestion), a multitude of vitamins, and minerals such as calcium and zinc.  
  3. Rice, maybe becoming infamous for its carb content now. But did you know, when eaten in moderation, rice could do wonders for your energy and gut. And let’s not forget the satiation it offers. The more satiated you are, the less you are drawn toward salty, fattening snacks.
  4. Lentils are also abound with many antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight the free radical damage in the body. This damage causes oxidative stress, which can take a toll on our immunity, skin and overall health.  
  5. Dal Chawal is light on tummy, and easy to digest. In this weather, the last thing you are looking for is indigestion or irregular bowel movements. Eating dal chawal, will fill you up, without disturbing your digestion.  Red meat is definitely a great source of protein, and comes with its own set of health benefits, but it is also heavy, and slightly difficult to digest for many.

So what are you waiting for? Here’s the recipe of moong dal, pair it with rice and chomp away. Also do let us know what else you love to pair with your dal chawal. Do not forget to share the pictures with us too.