Dal Chawal

Dal Chawal is the ultimate comfort food in Indian cuisine, embodying simplicity and nourishment in every bite. This classic dish pairs creamy, spiced toor dal (pigeon pea lentils) with fluffy steamed rice, creating a wholesome and satisfying meal. Prepared with aromatic tempering ingredients like cumin seeds, garlic, ginger, and green chili, the dal is simmered with vibrant tomatoes and warm spices for a deeply flavorful base. A generous garnish of fresh cilantro and a bright splash of lemon juice elevate this hearty bowl. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a nostalgic taste of home, this one-pot wonder comes together in just under an hour and serves as a satisfying vegetarian main course. Perfect for cozy evenings, Dal Chawal is simplicity at its finest—a soulful dish packed with protein, fiber, and aromatic spices that’s both nourishing and delicious.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Toor dal (pigeon pea lentils)
• 3 cups Water
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Ghee or oil
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 1 small, finely chopped Onion
• 2 minced Garlic cloves
• 1 inch, grated Ginger
• 1 finely chopped Green chili
• 1 medium, chopped Tomato
• 0.5 teaspoon Red chili powder
• 2 cups Cooked rice
• 2 tablespoons, chopped Cilantro
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the toor dal under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it in water for 15 minutes.

Step 2

Drain the dal and place it in a pressure cooker with 3 cups of water and turmeric powder. Cook for 3-4 whistles or until the dal is soft.

Step 3

Meanwhile, heat ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

Step 4

Add chopped onions and sauté until they are golden brown.

Step 5

Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chili to the pan. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the raw aroma disappears.

Step 6

Stir in the chopped tomato and cook until it softens and the oil starts separating.

Step 7

Add red chili powder and mix well.

Step 8

Once the pressure releases, open the pressure cooker, and gently mash the cooked dal. Add salt to taste and combine it with the onion-tomato mixture.

Step 9

Simmer the dal for 5-7 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together. Adjust the consistency with water if needed.

Step 10

Serve the dal hot over steamed rice. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1638.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1590.7

Total Fat 33.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 17.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 84mg	0%
Sodium 3608.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 268.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 36.4g	0%
Total Sugars 17.1g
Protein 59.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 293.2mg	0%
Iron 16.8mg	0%
Potassium 3604.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 18.8%

Protein: 14.7%

Carbs: 66.5%