Authentic Gujarati Dal Recipe – Sweet, Sour & Savory Lentils
Gujarati Dal Recipe – A Flavorful Traditional Lentil Dish
Gujarati Dal is a staple comfort food from the vibrant cuisine of Gujarat. Known for its balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors, this aromatic dal is packed with the goodness of turmeric, jaggery, and tangy kokum or lemon. This dish is perfect for lunch and pairs wonderfully with roti or rice and a side of crispy vegetables, like stuffed bhindi (ladyfinger). Let’s dive into the delightful world of Gujarati Dal and explore how to make this delicious dish at home.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tuvar Dal (Pigeon Pea Lentils) | 1/2 cup |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | 4 leaves, finely chopped |
| Fresh Ginger, grated | 1 teaspoon |
| Tomato, chopped | 1 medium-sized |
| Kokum (or Lemon Juice) | 2 pieces of kokum or 1 tbsp lemon juice |
| Cinnamon Stick | 1-inch piece |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Chili Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Peanuts | 1 tablespoon |
| Jaggery (grated) | 2 tablespoons |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh Coriander (Cilantro), chopped | For garnish |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Sugar | 8g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings:
- Serves: 2 (can be doubled as per requirement)
Cuisine:
- Type: Gujarati
- Course: Lunch
- Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
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Cook the Dal: Begin by thoroughly washing the tuvar dal (pigeon pea lentils). Then, cook the dal in 2 cups of water in a pressure cooker or pot until it becomes soft and mushy. This process usually takes about 5-6 whistles in a pressure cooker, or about 15-20 minutes in a regular pot. Stir the cooked dal well, ensuring there are no lumps and the consistency is smooth.
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Prepare the Tempering: While the dal is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over low heat. Add the mustard seeds (rai) and cumin seeds (jeera), and let them splutter for a few seconds. Then, add the finely chopped curry leaves, grated ginger, and a cinnamon stick. Let this mixture cook for another minute, allowing the spices to release their aroma.
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Add Tomatoes and Spices: Add the chopped tomato to the pan along with turmeric powder, red chili powder, and asafoetida (hing). Stir well, allowing the tomatoes to cook and soften. Cook on low heat until the tomatoes become mushy and blend well with the spices.
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Combine Dal and Tempering: Once the tomatoes are cooked, add the previously cooked dal to the pan. Stir everything together and mix well. Add salt to taste, jaggery, and peanuts. You can also add 1 cup of water at this point, depending on your desired consistency of the dal. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
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Simmer and Garnish: Once the dal begins to boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If needed, adjust the consistency of the dal by adding more water. Finally, turn off the heat and garnish the Gujarati dal with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
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Serving: Serve the Gujarati dal hot with soft roti, rice, or your favorite vegetable side dish like stuffed bhindi (ladyfinger). This dish pairs exceptionally well with a crunchy, spicy vegetable or even a light salad.
Tips:
- Adjusting Consistency: Gujarati dal is traditionally made with a slightly runny consistency, but you can adjust the water to your liking. If you prefer a thicker dal, cook it for a little longer to reduce the water.
- Sweetness and Tang: The combination of jaggery and kokum (or lemon juice) provides a unique balance of sweet and sour flavors. You can adjust the quantity of jaggery and kokum based on how tangy or sweet you like your dal.
- Peanuts for Crunch: The peanuts add a lovely crunch and flavor to the dal. If you prefer, you can also dry roast the peanuts before adding them for an extra layer of flavor.
Variations:
- With Vegetables: You can add diced vegetables like carrots, pumpkin, or bottle gourd (lauki) to the dal while cooking for a more wholesome, nutrient-rich dish.
- Vegan Version: Replace the jaggery with a plant-based sweetener like coconut sugar, and use coconut oil instead of regular oil for a vegan-friendly version.
- Spicy Version: If you enjoy a spicier version, increase the amount of red chili powder and add chopped green chilies during the tempering process.
Why You’ll Love Gujarati Dal:
Gujarati Dal is a comforting and nutritious dish that brings warmth to your meals. It’s flavorful yet not too heavy, making it perfect for any day of the week. With its balanced sweet, sour, and savory flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for busy days when you crave something hearty and wholesome.
Enjoy the authentic flavors of Gujarat with this simple yet satisfying dal recipe. Try it today and pair it with your favorite sides for a complete and flavorful meal!
