Have you ever tasted the delicious combination of sweet pumpkin and spicy lentils cooked to perfection in a blend of aromatic Indian spices? If not, then you are in for a treat with Kaddu Dal, a traditional North Indian dish that will surely tantalise your taste buds.

Originating from the heart of India, Kaddu Dal has been a staple in Indian households for generations. This dish showcases the perfect harmony of flavours, textures, and colours that define authentic Indian cuisine.

The recipe for Kaddu Dal may seem complex at first glance, but fear not, as with a little patience and practice, you can master this dish in no time.

The beauty of Kaddu Dal lies in its simplicity and versatility. Whether you prefer it as a comforting weeknight meal served with steamed rice or as a side dish for a festive dinner, this dish is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.

Ingredients

Oil: Oil is used for cooking the ingredients and adding flavour to the dish. It helps in frying the onion, tomato, and spices to release their flavours into the dal.

Onion: Onion adds a sweet and savoury flavour to the dish. It is sautéed with the oil until translucent, adding depth to the overall taste of the Kaddu dal.

Tomato: Tomato provides acidity and freshness to the dish. It is cooked with the onion to create a flavorful base for the dal.

Garlic Paste: Garlic paste brings a strong, pungent flavour to the dish. It is added to enhance the overall taste of the Kaddu dal.

Bullet Chilli: Bullet chilli adds heat and spice to the dish. It is chopped and included in the dal to give it a kick of heat.

Bottle Gourd: Bottle gourd, also known as lauki or kaddu, is the main vegetable in this recipe. It adds a subtle sweetness and soft texture to the dal.

Chana Dal: Chana dal is a type of lentil used in this recipe. It adds a nutty flavor and creamy texture to the dal.

Chilli Powder: Chilli powder brings color and heat to the dish. It is added to the dal for a spicy flavor.

Salt: Salt enhances the flavours of the dish and balances out the other seasonings. It is added to taste.

Cumin Powder: Cumin powder adds a warm, earthy flavour to the dish. It is sprinkled into the dal for a subtle spiced taste.

Turmeric Powder: Turmeric powder gives the dish a vibrant yellow colour and a mild, earthy flavor. It is added for its medicinal properties and to enhance the overall taste of the dal.

Coriander: Fresh coriander leaves are used as a garnish for the Kaddu dal. They add a fresh, herbaceous flavor and vibrant color to the dish.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Kaddu Dal is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the goodness of lentils with the sweetness of bottle gourd. Here are some serving suggestions and variations for this recipe:

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve Kaddu Dal hot with steamed rice or roti for a hearty and satisfying meal.
• Garnish the dish with chopped coriander leaves for a fresh and fragrant touch.
• Accompany the dal with a side of pickle or yogurt for a complete meal.

Variations:

• Add a handful of spinach or kale to the dal for an extra dose of green goodness.
• For a creamy texture, stir in a spoonful of coconut milk or cream towards the end of cooking.
• If you like it spicy, increase the amount of bullet chilli or add a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat.
• To make it more protein-rich, you can add cooked chicken or tofu cubes to the dal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kaddu Dal?

Kaddu Dal is a traditional Indian dish made with lentils (dal) and pumpkin (kaddu). It is a nutritious and delicious dish enjoyed in various parts of India.

Can I customise the spices in Kaddu Dal?

Yes, you can adjust the spices in Kaddu Dal according to your taste preferences. Common spices used in this dish include cumin, turmeric, coriander, and red chili powder.

Is Kaddu Dal a vegetarian dish?

Yes, Kaddu Dal is a vegetarian dish as it is made with lentils and pumpkin. It is a popular choice for vegetarians looking for a hearty and nutritious meal.

What are the health benefits of Kaddu Dal?

Kaddu Dal is a nutritious dish that is rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The combination of lentils and pumpkin provides a good balance of nutrients and is beneficial for overall health.

Can I serve Kaddu Dal with rice or bread?

Yes, Kaddu Dal can be served with steamed rice, roti, naan, or any other bread of your choice. It makes for a satisfying and filling meal when paired with a side of rice or bread.

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
• Bottle Gourd Milk Curry
• Dal Keema
• Lauki Ki Sabzi
• Dal Chawal

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!

Kaddu Dal

by Nabeela Kauser

Kaddu dal is a comforting South Asian dish that pairs tender pumpkin with hearty lentils, simmered with fragrant spices for a flavourful meal.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Indian, Pakistani

Servings 4

Calories 417 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 50 ml Oil
• ▢ 1 Onion
• ▢ 2 Tomato
• ▢ 1 tsp Garlic Paste
• ▢ 1 Bullet Chilli
• ▢ 500 g Bottle Gourd Kaddu
• ▢ 300 g Lentils Chana Dal
• ▢ 1 tsp Chilli Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Salt
• ▢ 1 tsp Cumin Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
• ▢ 1 handful Coriander
• ▢ 500 ml Water

Instructions

• First, soak the lentils in warm water and set them aside.
• Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onions and sauté them for 4-5 minutes until they become soft and golden.
• Stir in the garlic paste and bullet chilli, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes until they soften and blend with the other ingredients.
• Mix in the spices and cook for 3-4 minutes to release their flavours.
• Add 2 tablespoons of water to the pan to prevent the spices from burning, and stir well.
• Add the diced kaddu (bottle gourd) to the pan, and cook for 4-5 minutes while stirring occasionally.
• Drain the soaked lentils and add them to the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, ensuring they are mixed well with the vegetables and spices.
• Pour in enough water to cover the mixture. Cover the pan with a lid and simmer on low heat for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils and kaddu are fully cooked and tender.
• Finally, add freshly chopped coriander, stir well, and serve hot.

Video

Notes

Nutritional facts:

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

Nutrition

Calories: 417kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 21gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.05gSodium: 646mgPotassium: 1053mgFibre: 25gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 764IUVitamin C: 16mgCalcium: 97mgIron: 7mg

Keyword Bottle Gourd, Cooking, Curry, Dal, Lauki, Lentils, Recipe, Vegan

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