Khatti Meethi Dal Chawal Recipe
Description:
Dal Chawal is a quintessential comfort food in India, cherished in homes across the country. With each family adding their unique twist, the beloved combination of lentils and rice is a universal favorite. This variation of Khatti Meethi Dal Chawal brings a delightful fusion of tangy and sweet flavors, offering a fresh twist on the classic recipe. The mix of aromatic spices, tamarind, and roasted peanuts creates a balanced dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and utterly delicious.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Basmati rice | 1/2 cup |
| Arhar dal (Split Toor Dal) | 1/2 cup |
| Water | 3 1/2 cups |
| Ghee | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Bay leaves (Tej Patta) | 1 |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1/2 inch piece |
| Green Chilli | 1, slit lengthwise |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, finely chopped |
| Ginger | 1/2 teaspoon, finely chopped |
| Onions | 2, finely chopped |
| Tomato | 1, chopped |
| Carrots (Gajjar) | 2, diced and steamed |
| Green peas (Matar) | 1/4 cup, steamed |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Tamarind Paste | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh Coriander (Dhania) | 3 sprigs, chopped |
| Roasted Peanuts (Moongphali) | 1/4 cup |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Begin by washing and cleaning the Arhar dal (split toor dal), and set it aside.
- Wash the Basmati rice thoroughly, soak it for 30 minutes, and then drain it well. Set aside.
- Steam the carrots and green peas until tender. Set these aside as well.
-
Temper the Spices:
- In a pressure cooker or a heavy-bottomed pan, heat ghee over medium heat.
- Add the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and cumin seeds. Let the cumin seeds crackle to release their aroma.
- Add the finely chopped garlic, ginger, and slit green chili. Sauté them for about 1 minute until they release their fragrance.
- Add the onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they turn soft and light brown in color. This should take around 3-4 minutes.
- Add the chopped tomato and cook until the tomato softens and turns mushy, about 3 more minutes.
-
Cook the Dal Chawal:
- Once the onion and tomato mixture is ready, add the rice and dal to the pot, mixing them gently with the sautéed spices.
- Add the water, salt, and sugar, and stir everything to combine.
- Seal the pressure cooker and cook for 3-4 whistles, or if using a saucepan, bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 20-25 minutes or until the rice and dal are cooked through and all the water has been absorbed.
-
Final Touches:
- Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release completely if using a pressure cooker. If you’ve used a saucepan, let the rice rest for 10 minutes with the lid on to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Once the pressure is released, gently fluff the rice and dal mixture with a fork. Add the steamed carrots, green peas, roasted peanuts, and chopped coriander leaves to the dish. Mix everything well so that the vegetables and peanuts are evenly distributed throughout the dal chawal.
-
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve your Khatti Meethi Dal Chawal as a standalone dish or pair it with a crispy papad on the side for a complete meal.
- This comforting dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, offering a balance of tanginess from the tamarind paste and sweetness from the sugar and roasted peanuts.
Tips & Variations:
- Tamarind Paste: The tanginess from the tamarind is key to this dish’s unique flavor. You can adjust the amount of tamarind paste depending on your preference for tangy flavors.
- Roasted Peanuts: Roasting the peanuts adds a delightful crunch to the dish. If you prefer, you can substitute the peanuts with cashews or almonds for a different texture.
- Rice & Dal Ratio: Feel free to adjust the ratio of rice to dal based on your preferred consistency. For a more soupy dish, add more water; for a firmer texture, reduce the water slightly.
Nutritional Information (approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 60g |
| Fiber | 8g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Sodium | 480mg |
| Sugars | 7g |
Khatti Meethi Dal Chawal offers the perfect blend of flavors, textures, and comforting warmth. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or serving it at a family gathering, this dish promises to satisfy every palate with its delightful tang and sweetness.
