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The ultimate Indian comfort food, this classic Dal Chawal features creamy, tempered yellow lentils served alongside fluffy basmati rice. It's a wholesome, simple, and deeply satisfying meal that comes together quickly for any day of the week.
For 4 servings
Prepare Dal and Rice (15 mins)
Cook the Rice (Chawal) (15-20 mins)
Cook the Dal (15 mins)
The ultimate Indian comfort food, this classic Dal Chawal features creamy, tempered yellow lentils served alongside fluffy basmati rice. It's a wholesome, simple, and deeply satisfying meal that comes together quickly for any day of the week.
This north_indian recipe takes 40 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 518.89 calories per serving with 17.06g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
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Prepare the Tempering (Tadka) and Finish (10 mins)
Substitute ghee with a neutral vegetable oil or coconut oil to make the entire dish plant-based.
Create a more complex flavor by using a mix of five lentils (toor, chana, masoor, moong, and urad dal) instead of just toor dal.
Make it a one-pot meal by adding chopped vegetables like spinach (Palak Dal), carrots, or bottle gourd (Lauki) to the dal while pressure cooking.
After adding the tadka, place a small steel bowl in the center of the dal. Add a piece of hot charcoal to the bowl, pour a few drops of ghee over it, and immediately cover the pot for 2-3 minutes to infuse a smoky flavor.
Lentils are a powerhouse of protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function. When combined with rice, they form a complete protein profile.
Both dal and the whole spices contribute significant dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and keeps you feeling full longer.
The combination of complex carbohydrates from rice and protein/fiber from dal ensures a slow and steady release of energy, preventing energy spikes and crashes.
Lentils are a good source of essential minerals like iron, magnesium, potassium, and folate, which are vital for blood production, nerve function, and heart health.
Yes, Dal Chawal is considered a very healthy and balanced meal. The dal provides plant-based protein and fiber, while the rice offers carbohydrates for energy. The combination forms a complete protein, providing all essential amino acids. The spices used also have numerous health benefits.
One serving of this Dal Chawal recipe contains approximately 500-550 calories, depending on the amount of ghee used and serving size. It's a wholesome meal that provides a good balance of macronutrients.
Absolutely. To cook the dal in a pot, soak it for at least 1 hour. Then, in a deep pot, add the soaked dal, water, salt, and turmeric. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the dal is completely soft and mushy. Proceed with the tempering as instructed.
Toor Dal (split pigeon peas) is a yellow lentil that holds its shape well and has a nutty flavor. Masoor Dal (red lentils) is smaller, typically orange/red, cooks much faster, and breaks down into a creamier, softer consistency.
Store the dal and rice in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave them or warm them on the stovetop. You may need to add a splash of water to the dal while reheating to adjust its consistency.
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