By Bornika Das
December 11, 2023
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Lentils find a special place in the Indian cuisine. Lentils also known as dal are a source of sustenance for millions across the subcontinent. These humble legumes are celebrated not only for their nutritional value but also for their remarkable versatility in the kitchen. Lentils play a pivotal role in shaping the flavours of regional delicacies. Take a look heartwarming world of Indian lentil dishes:
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Tadka Dal is made with toor dal (split pigeon peas) or masoor dal (red lentils). The lentils are boiled to a creamy consistency and then tempered with a fragrant mix of spices like cumin, mustard seeds, and asafoeti
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In sambar, toor dal is cooked with an array of vegetables like drumsticks, okra, and tomatoes, and infused with a special spice mix known as sambar masala.
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Whole urad dal (black gram lentils) and kidney beans are slow-cooked in a rich tomato-based gravy, which is enhanced with cream and butter.
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In this dish, chana dal is cooked with a blend of spices and tomatoes, creating a hearty and wholesome side dish.
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Moong dal khichdi is a comforting one-pot meal made with moong dal (split green gram lentils) and rice. The lentils and rice are simmered together with spices like cumin, turmeric, and asafoetida.
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Methi dal combines the goodness of fresh fenugreek leaves (methi) with tuar dal (pigeon pea lentils). The slightly bitter taste of fenugreek is balanced with the lentils and a blend of spices.
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To make Tetor Dal, red lentils are cooked with sautéed bitter gourd, seasoned with spices like turmeric, cumin, and mustard seeds.
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Dal vada are lentil fritters made with whole or split lentils. Dal vada are flavoured with aromatic spices made are deep fried to perfection.
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Dal Dhokli is a hearty one-pot meal in which spiced wheat flour dumplings are simmered in a flavorful sweet and spicy lentil soup.
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