DAL CHAWAL RECIPE (COMFORTING INDIAN LENTILS & RICE MEAL)

Dal Chawal Recipe (Comforting Indian Lentils & Rice Meal)

Dal Chawal Recipe (Comforting Indian Lentils & Rice Meal)

Blog Article

Dal Chawal is a classic Indian comfort food consisting of flavorful lentils (dal) served with steamed rice (chawal). It is a simple, nutritious, and wholesome meal enjoyed across India with regional variations. If you want to Dal Chawal Recipe in hindi to visit our website hubrecipes.

Ingredients (Serves 2-3)

For Dal (Lentils)

  • ½ cup yellow lentils (toor dal / moong dal / masoor dal) (or a mix of dals)

  • 2 cups water (for cooking dal)

  • 1 small tomato, chopped (optional, adds tanginess)

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional, for extra flavor)

  • 1-2 green chilies, slit (optional, for spice)

  • ½ tsp turmeric powder (haldi)

  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

For Tempering (Tadka)

  • 1 tbsp ghee or oil

  • ½ tsp mustard seeds (rai)

  • ½ tsp cumin seeds (jeera)

  • 2-3 garlic cloves, minced (optional, for extra flavor)

  • 1 dry red chili (optional, for heat)

  • 1 pinch asafoetida (hing) (aids digestion)

  • 5-6 curry leaves (optional, for South Indian flavor)

  • ½ tsp red chili powder (adjust spice level)

  • ½ tsp garam masala (optional, for extra flavor)

  • 1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves (for garnish)

For Chawal (Steamed Rice)

  • 1 cup basmati rice (or any rice of choice)

  • 2 cups water

  • ½ tsp salt (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Dal (Lentils)

  1. Wash toor dal (or chosen lentils) and soak for 10-15 minutes (optional, but helps cook faster).

  2. In a pressure cooker, add dal, water, turmeric, salt, onion, tomato, and green chilies.

  3. Pressure cook for 3-4 whistles (or until soft). If using a pan, cook for 25-30 minutes until mushy.

  4. Mash the dal lightly with a spoon and adjust water for desired consistency.

Step 2: Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)

  1. Heat ghee or oil in a small pan.

  2. Add mustard seeds & cumin seeds, and let them splutter.

  3. Add garlic, dry red chili, hing, and curry leaves. Sauté for 30 seconds.

  4. Add red chili powder, garam masala, and mix well.

  5. Pour the tadka over the cooked dal and mix well.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

  1. Wash rice until water runs clear.

  2. In a pot, add rice, water, and salt (if using).

  3. Cover and cook on low-medium heat for 10-12 minutes until soft. (For pressure cooker: Cook for 2 whistles.)

  4. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Serving Suggestions

✔ Serve hot dal over steamed rice with a side of pickle, papad, or ghee.
✔ Garnish with fresh coriander & a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.

Tips for the Best Dal Chawal

✔ For creamier dal, blend slightly or add a spoon of butter/ghee.
✔ For extra protein, add a handful of soaked moong dal or masoor dal.
✔ For a richer taste, replace water with vegetable stock while cooking dal.
✔ For a South Indian version, add tamarind pulp & sambar powder.

Report this page