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–+ servings
A classic dal and rice dish with lentils and chunks of vegetables, garnished with cilantro, sits invitingly next to a spoon and fork on a napkin.

Classic Dal and Rice Recipe

A man in an apron standing in a kitchen.Liam Chen
This classic Indian meal of dal and rice is both comforting and nutritious. Made with protein-rich lentils and fluffy rice, it’s a staple that’s quick to prepare and packed with flavors, perfect for a hearty lunch.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Meal Type Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine Indian
Servings 2
Calories 542 kcal
Difficulty Easy
Ingredient Cost $1.50
Shopping Cost$7

Equipment

  • Pressure cooker or pot
  • Saucepan
  • Mixing spoon
  • Rice cooker (optional)

Ingredients
 
 

For the Dal:

  • ½ cup yellow split moong dal or toor dal
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 1 medium tomato finely chopped
  • 1 green chili slit lengthwise
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • ½ tsp turmeric powder
  • ½ tsp red chili powder
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 inch ginger minced
  • 2 tbsp oil or ghee
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander chopped (for garnish)

For the Rice:

  • 1 cup brown rice
  • 2 cups water
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions
 

Prepare the Rice:

  • Rinse the brown rice thoroughly and drain.
    1 cup brown rice
  • In a rice cooker or saucepan, add the rice, 2 cups of water, and salt.
    2 cups water, 1/2 tsp salt
  • Cook on medium heat for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and fluffy.
  • Keep warm until serving.

Prepare the Dal:

  • Rinse the dal well and set it aside.
    1/2 cup yellow split moong dal
  • Heat oil or ghee in a pressure cooker over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle.
    2 tbsp oil, 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • Add chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until golden brown.
    1 medium onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 inch ginger
  • Add chopped tomatoes, green chili, turmeric powder, and red chili powder. Cook until the tomatoes soften.
    1 medium tomato, 1 green chili, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp red chili powder
  • Add the rinsed dal and 2 cups of water. Season with salt.
    2 cups water, Salt to taste
  • Close the lid and pressure cook for 2-3 whistles or cook in an open pot for 20-25 minutes until the dal is soft.
  • Once cooked, mash the dal slightly for a creamy consistency.
  • Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with brown rice.
    Fresh coriander

Notes

Adjust the spice level by adding or reducing the green chili and red chili powder.
For added nutrition, you can add vegetables like spinach, carrots, or bottle gourd to the dal.
If you don’t have a pressure cooker, you can simmer the dal in a pot until cooked, though it will take longer.

Nutrition

Calories: 542kcalCarbohydrates: 88gProtein: 9gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.1gSodium: 710mgPotassium: 563mgFiber: 6gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 677IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 85mgIron: 3mg
Keyword Comfort Food, Dal, Indian Lunch, Protein-Rich Meal, Rice

Ingredient Costs: Cost of Recipe by Ingredient Measurements

Shopping Costs: Cost of Recipe with Brand New Ingredient Purchases

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