10 Everyday Dal Recipes | Easy & Comforting

Dal as a dish has an important role in an everyday Indian meal plan. I simply can not Imagine Indian meals without this humble bowl of dal or as some of you know it as 'Indian lentil curry'. This is one of a staple part of Indian meals in all parts of India and Indian subcontinent. It is amazing to see the How humble lentils when combined with the right spices and cooked to a perfect consistency, can be made into a most wonderful meal.

There are many varieties of Dal recipes that are made in India. Indian cuisine is very diverse and so are dals. Depending on which part of Indian cuisine you are picking the dal recipes from the taste and tadka/tarka changes.

Dal Recipe Varieties

There are too many Dal variations in Indian cuisine. Not only in India Dal is a popular dish across Indian subcontinent and is made in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and of course countless Dal recipes from India. Within the India, Dal recipes vary, South Indian Dal recipes are different from North Indian Dal recipes. And East Bengali Dal recipes have marked difference in flavours. But One thing remains common Dal is a comfort meal for each one of us.

What makes dal variations different from each other?

There are so many variations of dal recipes. Each region of the country has their favourite. The major difference comes from the tadka or tarka. North Indian dal tadka is different from South Indian dal tadka. Within North India, Punjabi tadka or UP dal tadka is also different. In Punjabi Dal recipes, we make tomato and onion tadka with a touch of garam masala. In UP style dal We add a tadka of asafoetida cumin and chilli. A small dollop of ghee makes it even more comforting. If you hear the sizzle of warm comforting tadka, and breath in its nutty aroma, you are sure to be transported into a food heaven.

Is it Dal or Dahl or Dhal or Daal?

Well! All these names Dal, Dhal or Daal are right. In North Indian cuisine we call it Dal or Daal. In South India the same dal becomes Dhal and when this dal travels abroad it becomes Dahl. The saying "what's in the name" is just apt for this dal situation. Call it by any name, this Indian lentil curry bowl will always make a delicious meal. Serve it as Dal rice combination or Dal roti combination the Indian Lentil Curry is a delight for the taste buds. The Other day, as usual, I was once again lost in the Pinterest world and I noticed someone referring to it as Indian Lentil Soup Dhal. But as I said Dal by any name is Comfort food.

Nutrition in Dal

Dal or lentils are high in proteins and soluble fibre. A very good source of protein for vegetarians. These are also an excellent source of molybdenum and folate. They are a very good source of copper, phosphorus and manganese. Most lentils are also a good source of iron, protein, vitamin B1, pantothenic acid, zinc, potassium and vitamin B6. All of the pulses have low GI value and well as GL (glycemic load). These are also good for the vegetarian diabetic diet.

Which Dal is High in Proteins?

Compared to other Indian lentils/dal moong dal is higher in proteins and lower in carbs, so protein to carb ratio is higher. Other lentils have a higher amount of proteins but at the same time have higher carb value too.

Indian Dal Recipes You Must Try

So If you love dals you must try these healthy and tasty Dal recipes which you can include in the everyday meal plan.

Yellow Dal Recipe / Dhuli Moong Dal Recipe

One of the most popular Punjabi dal recipe Moong dal tadka is everyday kind of daal. It is very light and easy to digest. It is especially popular in Uttar Pradesh and Punjabi cuisine. Some consider moong dal tadka as a pretty bland recipe, but if you temper it right, It can be really tasty dal preparation. This is also known as dhuli daal or peeli daal as it is yellow in colour. Yellow Dal Tadka Recipe

Punjabi Dal Palak Recipe

Punjabi Dal Palak aka Spinach Dal is smoky spicy and super healthy dal recipe. It is an easy way to add more health quotient to your everyday Indian meals. I add a smoky tadka that is made with is what makes this Dal palak recipe super delicious. Here's How to Make Dal Palak.

Whole Moong Dal

Punjabi Sabut moong dal is healthy green whole moong dal recipe with Punjabi tadka. If you are looking for a wholesome and nutritious meal pair the moong dal with chapati, paratha or steamed rice, Punjabi sabut moong dal is simple easy and comforting.  Sabut moong dal tadka recipe

Dal Fry

Dal fry is a one of most popular Indian dal recipe. It is made with tur dal /arhar dal or split pigeon peas. A special tempering is added towards the end of cooking that is why it is known as dal fry. The fry or tadka gives it a characteristic taste as well as the name of dal fry or dal tadka. How to make Dal Fry Recipe. 

Sabut Masoor Dal

Masoor dal or whole Pink lentils are cooked in a pressure cooker till it acquires a creamy consistency. Dal is then tempered with Onion tomato and garam masala tadka and topped with some homemade white butter..... Mmmm! Just what makes it one of the soul-satisfying easy simple and comforting Indian Dal. How to Make Sabut Masoor Dal Recipe.

Dal Makhani

An easy simple and healthier Dal Makhani recipe. The only control you have to exercise is to skip adding butter on the top. One of the simple easy and delicious dal makhani recipe.

Hyderabadi Khatti Dal

Hyderabadi khatti dal recipe is made with Arhar dal/ yellow pigeon pea. Served with Jeera rice or cumin rice this dal chawal combo tastes almost like heaven. The complete nutritious protein-packed meal of dal and chawal can be made in 30 Minutes flat. Khatti Dal Recipe.

Sookhi Urad Dal

Sookhi Urad dal is Punjabi style dry dal recipe that is cooked with Skinless Urad dal with spices and a typical Punjabi tadka or tempering. Easy dry dal preparation tastes best on its own or with paratha, phulka or steamed rice. Sookhi Urad Dal Recipe.

Gujarati Khatti Meethi Dal

Gujrati Khatti Mithi dal as the name suggests is sweet and sour dal recipe cooked in Gujarati homes. This everyday dal recipe is made special with the use of fried peanuts and ghee tempering but what makes Gujrati dal more special is a delicate balance of sweet and sour taste. Gujarati Kahtti Mithi Dal Recipe.

Mah Chane ki Dal- Langar wali Dal

Mah chane ki dal or Langar wali dal is one of very simple dal recipe which is cooked almost in all Punjabi homes. Also known as  “Langar wali dal” because this is mostly served in langar (community feast) in gurudwara langar. Get the Mah Chane ki Dal recipe.

Other than making these dal recipes which are cooked traditional ways as Indian lentil curry, you can use Dal for making so many other delicious dishes like various types of vada, fritters, badis, pakoda and halwa. There are quite a few more dal recipes on the blog which I am going to share with you all very soon.