Gujarati Trevti Dal Recipe (Creamy Lentils Cooked In Mild Spices)
This Gujarati Trevti Dal is a flavorful and creamy lentil dish that’s delicately spiced with traditional Gujarati spices. It’s a perfect side dish to enjoy with Phulkas, Aloo Tamatar Ki Sabzi, or simply served with Steamed Rice for a comforting, wholesome meal. The use of three different lentils—yellow moong dal, chana dal, and arhar dal—adds depth and texture to this vegetarian dish. The dal is gently seasoned with cumin, garlic, ginger, and a hint of lemon juice for a refreshing tang.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Yellow Moong Dal (Split) | 1/4 cup (soaked for 30 minutes) |
| Chana Dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 1/4 cup (soaked for 30 minutes) |
| Arhar Dal (Split Toor Dal) | 1/4 cup (soaked for 30 minutes) |
| Ginger | 1 inch (grated) |
| Garlic | 4 cloves (minced) |
| Onion | 1 (finely chopped) |
| Tomato | 1 (finely chopped) |
| Green Chilli | 1 (finely chopped) |
| Dry Red Chillies | 2 |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon Juice | 1/2 lemon |
| Fresh Coriander Leaves (Dhania) | A few sprigs (for garnish) |
| Sunflower Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~130 kcal |
| Protein | ~7 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~25 g |
| Fiber | ~6 g |
| Fat | ~2 g |
| Sodium | ~250 mg |
| Vitamin C | ~15 mg |
| Iron | ~2 mg |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Gujarati
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Lentils
Start by washing and soaking the three types of lentils—yellow moong dal, chana dal, and arhar dal—in water for about 30 minutes. After soaking, drain the water and transfer the lentils to a pressure cooker. Add turmeric powder, salt, and enough water to cover the lentils. Pressure cook the lentils for 3 whistles on medium heat. Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally, then mash the cooked lentils slightly and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Spices
While the dal is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Heat 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil in a kadai (Indian wok) on medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add cumin seeds and dry red chillies. Allow them to crackle for a few seconds, releasing their aroma.
Step 3: Cook the Aromatics
Add the finely chopped onion to the oil and sauté it until it becomes translucent. This will take about 2-3 minutes. Next, add the grated ginger and minced garlic to the pan, and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears and the mixture becomes fragrant.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables and Spices
To the onion-ginger-garlic mixture, add the chopped green chilli and tomato. Stir occasionally and cook the tomatoes until they soften and turn mushy, about 4-5 minutes. Once the tomatoes are cooked, add red chilli powder and sauté for another minute.
Step 5: Combine the Dal and Simmer
Now, add the mashed dal to the pan, followed by about 2 cups of water to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. Stir everything well and let the dal simmer on low heat for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally, and if necessary, adjust the water and salt to reach your desired consistency and taste.
Step 6: Final Touches
Once the dal is ready, remove it from heat. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and garnish with chopped coriander leaves. Give it a final mix.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the Gujarati Trevti Dal hot, paired with Phulkas (Indian flatbread) or Aloo Tamatar Ki Sabzi (potato-tomato curry). For a hearty meal, you can also serve it with Steamed Rice and crispy Roti Ke Papad (crispy flatbread crackers).
Tips for the Perfect Trevti Dal:
- Lentil Variations: If you don’t have all three lentils, you can use just one or two of them. However, the combination of different dal gives a unique flavor and texture.
- Consistency: Adjust the consistency of the dal by adding more or less water. If you prefer a thicker dal, use less water, and for a more soup-like consistency, add more water.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of green chilli and red chilli powder based on your spice preference. For a milder dal, reduce the amount of chilli.
- Garnishes: You can also add a dollop of ghee (clarified butter) on top for extra richness and flavor.
This Gujarati Trevti Dal is a comforting and nutritious dish that perfectly complements traditional Indian breads or rice. The mild, aromatic spices and the creamy texture of the dal make it a favorite in Gujarati households. Enjoy this dish on a cozy weeknight or serve it at a family gathering for a deliciously satisfying meal!
