Dal is a comfort food in every Indian home. From Panchratna Dal to Dal Makhani, it is the love for dal that nearly every Indian household includes this versatile and flavorsome staple in their daily diet. What looks basic and simple initially encompasses a great variety. Cooked simple or elaborately, dal is a lifeline of every regular Indian Platter. A wonderful thing about Indian food is that a single dal can be cooked in different ways in different regions. Some dals are made by tempering cooked dal with seed and whole spices, while others are favored with masala pastes. So, let us talk about the three most traditional dal varieties loved in India:
Dal Makhani
Dal makhani recipe is among the classics. It is a favorite recipe easily cooked to perfection. Also called “maa ki dal,” Dal Makhani originated from Punjab. The main ingredients of this recipe are urad dal, kidney beans (rajma), cream, and butter. Before partition, Dal makhani was known to be a staple in United India. It got popularized in India after the partition when lots of Punjabis came to the northern region of India. It is made in Indian houses for parties. You can find it on the menu list of most restaurants and hotels. A creamy, luscious dal recipe loaded with lots of butter, it goes well with paratha or naan and even cooked rice.
Dal Banjara
This delectable dal recipe uses both urad dal and chana dal. Though it originated somewhere in Rajasthan, it became well-known in India due to its distinctive flavor. This Rajasthani dal will surely make you lick all your fingers when made with a range of spices, onions, and green chilies.
Dalma
The Dalma recipe is another no-fuss, simple dal variety made in Odiya homes. It is a soup-like dish that mixes toor dal with different vegetables like eggplant, pumpkin, tomatoes, and potatoes. It is an excellent accompaniment to rice. This traditional dish calls for raw papaya and raw banana too. Dry chili powder and roasted cumin are vital seasonings to this dish.
A dal recipe can be enjoyed by everyone with roti, parathas, and rice. Based on your main course, you can select a suitable dal to make. If you want to serve it with spicy parathas, choose a subtle dal. While if you want to serve it with plain rice, you can choose a richer one. A thought about your main course menu, how much time is there, and more is all that it will take to choose the right dal for your meal. No matter where you are around the world, one bowl of dal you like is all that you need to nourish and comfort you with good memories and health. So, don’t forget to cook a simple dal daily for yourself!
