Dal Chawal is a beloved traditional dish that hails from the Indian subcontinent. This simple yet flavorful meal consists of lentils (dal) cooked with aromatic spices and served with steamed basmati rice (chawal).

The origins of Dal Chawal can be traced back to ancient Indian culinary traditions, where it was a staple for many households. The recipe for Dal Chawal may vary from region to region, but the basic ingredients remain the same.

Cooking Dal Chawal is considered to be relatively easy, making it a popular choice for busy families and individuals looking for a quick and nutritious meal.

The lentils are typically simmered with onions, tomatoes, garlic, and a blend of spices to create a rich and savory gravy. The rice is cooked separately until fluffy and aromatic, making the perfect accompaniment to the flavorful dal.

Whether you are a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, Dal Chawal is a dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food.

With its warm and inviting flavors, this classic meal is a true taste of Indian culture and tradition. So why not try your hand at making Dal Chawal today and experience the delicious simplicity of this timeless recipe!

Ingredients

Split Red Lentils: Split red lentils are a pantry staple in many South Asian households, known for their quick cooking time and high protein content. They break down easily when cooked, giving dal its creamy texture.

Onion: Onions are a key ingredient in many Indian dishes, adding depth and sweetness to the flavor profile of the dish. They are usually sautéed until golden brown to bring out their natural sweetness.

Garlic: Garlic is a pungent ingredient that adds a savory depth to the dish. It is often minced or crushed and sautéed with the onions to release its aroma.

Cumin Seeds: Cumin seeds are a common spice used in Indian cooking, known for their earthy and nutty flavor. They are often dry-roasted before being added to the dish to enhance their fragrance.

Turmeric Powder: Turmeric powder is a bright yellow spice that adds color and a warm, slightly bitter flavor to the dish. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Ground Coriander: Ground coriander is made from coriander seeds and adds a citrusy and slightly sweet flavor to the dish. It is a common spice used in Indian cooking.

Garam Masala: Garam masala is a blend of spices commonly used in Indian cuisine, adding warmth and depth to the dish. It usually contains a mix of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and other spices.

Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil is used for sautéing and frying the ingredients. It helps to cook the spices and aromatics evenly, bringing out their flavors.

Salt: Salt is a key ingredient in any dish, balancing out the flavors and enhancing the overall taste of the dal chawal.

Fresh Coriander Leaves: Fresh coriander leaves, also known as cilantro, are often used as a garnish in Indian dishes. They add a fresh, citrusy flavor to the dish and brighten up the presentation.

Basmati Rice: Basmati rice is a fragrant long-grain rice commonly used in Indian cuisine. It is known for its nutty flavor and fluffy texture when cooked, making it the perfect accompaniment to the dal.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Dal Chawal is a classic Indian dish that consists of lentils cooked with aromatic spices and served with fluffy basmati rice. Here are some serving suggestions and variations to elevate your Dal Chawal recipe:

• For added texture and flavor, top your Dal Chawal with crispy fried onions or crunchy papadums.
• Pair your Dal Chawal with a side of tangy mango chutney or a cooling cucumber raita to balance out the spice.
• For a protein boost, stir in some cooked chickpeas or paneer cubes to the dal before serving.
• Spice up your Dal Chawal by adding a diced green chili or a pinch of chili powder for some heat.
• To add a refreshing element, squeeze some lemon juice over your Dal Chawal just before serving.

With these serving suggestions and variations, you can customize your Dal Chawal to suit your preferences and create a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dal Chawal?

Dal Chawal is a popular Indian dish that consists of lentils (dal) and rice (chawal) cooked together with a variety of spices. It is a simple and nutritious meal that is enjoyed by people across India.

How is Dal Chawal typically served?

Dal Chawal is typically served hot with a side of plain yogurt or raita, pickle, papad, and salad. It can also be accompanied by chapati or roti (Indian flatbreads) for a more complete meal.

Is Dal Chawal a vegetarian dish?

Yes, Dal Chawal is a vegetarian dish as it is made with lentils and rice, which are both plant-based ingredients. It is a popular choice among vegetarians in India and can be easily made vegan by omitting any dairy products served on the side.

Can I customize Dal Chawal to suit my taste preferences?

Yes, Dal Chawal is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less chili powder, and you can also add other vegetables or ingredients such as spinach, potatoes, or carrots to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the dish.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Chana Dal
• Dal Makhani
• Moong Dal
• Dal Mash
• Tadka Dal

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Dal Chawal

by Nabeela Kauser

Experience a comforting blend of spices and textures with this classic Indian dish. A simple yet flavorful combination of lentils and rice cooked to perfection, this meal offers a hearty and satisfying taste that will leave you coming back for more.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4

Calories 356 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 200 g Split Red Lentils
• ▢ 1 litre Water
• ▢ 1 Onion finely chopped
• ▢ 2 cloves Garlic minced
• ▢ 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
• ▢ 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Coriander Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Garam Masala
• ▢ 2 tbsp Oil
• ▢ Salt to taste
• ▢ Coriander for garnish

For Rice:

• ▢ 300 g Rice
• ▢ 600 ml Water
• ▢ Salt to taste

Instructions

• Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
• In a large saucepan, bring the water to a boil over high heat.
• Once the water is boiling, add the rinsed rice and stir gently.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the steam to finish cooking the rice.
• Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
• Season with salt to taste, if desired.
• Rinse the split red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear.
• In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and cook until they start to sizzle.
• Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the saucepan. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent.
• Stir in the turmeric powder, ground coriander, and garam masala. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Add the rinsed lentils to the saucepan and stir to coat them in the spices.
• Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and the mixture has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Season the dal with salt to taste.
• Serve the dal hot with the cooked rice, garnished with fresh coriander leaves.

Notes

This dal chawal recipe combines the comforting flavours of lentils and rice, making it a staple meal in Indian households.

Adjust the spice levels according to your preference for a mild or spicy dish.

For added richness, you can stir in a dollop of ghee (clarified butter) into the dal before serving.

Serve with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 356kcalCarbohydrates: 64gProtein: 6gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.03gSodium: 27mgPotassium: 160mgFibre: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 7IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 51mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Cooking, Dal, Dal Chawal, Food, Lentils, Recipe, Rice

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