Navrang Dal Recipe | Spicy Mixed Lentils | Healthy Indian Dal Recipe
Are you ready to discover the vibrant and hearty flavors of Navrang Dal, a quintessential dish from North India that brings together a beautiful blend of spices and various lentils? This Spicy Mixed Lentils dish, rich in proteins and packed with nutrition, is not just filling but also a treat to the taste buds. Itโs the perfect choice for a wholesome lunch or dinner, offering both flavor and health benefits in every bite.
Why You’ll Love Navrang Dal
Navrang Dal, with its medley of lentils, provides a unique texture and a burst of flavor. The aromatic spices used in the recipe bring depth, while the dals cook to a creamy consistency, making this a comforting dish that youโll love serving over rice or with your favorite Indian flatbread. It’s a healthy, high-protein, and vegetarian dish that will satisfy your hunger and leave you craving more. The addition of dried fenugreek leaves (Kasuri Methi) adds an extra layer of flavor, making this dal truly stand out.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green Moong Dal (Split) | 2 tablespoons |
| Black Urad Dal (Split) | 2 tablespoons |
| Pink Masoor Dal (Split) | 2 tablespoons |
| Yellow Moong Dal (Split) | 1/4 cup |
| Arhar Dal (Split Toor Dal) | 1 tablespoon |
| Chana Dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 2 tablespoons |
| Rajma (Large Kidney Beans) | 2 tablespoons |
| Kabuli Chana (White Chickpeas) | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Tomatoes (finely chopped) | 2 |
| Ginger (finely chopped) | 1 inch |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 4 cloves |
| Green Chillies (finely chopped) | 2 |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) | 1 tablespoon |
| Ginger (cut into julienne for garnish) | 1 inch |
| Ghee | 2 tablespoons |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Instructions
-
Prep the Ingredients:
Start by prepping all the ingredients. Chop the onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and green chillies. Soak all the lentils (green moong dal, black urad dal, pink masoor dal, yellow moong dal, arhar dal, chana dal, rajma, and kabuli chana) in water overnight to soften them. -
Cooking the Base:
Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a pressure cooker over medium heat. Add the cinnamon stick and cumin seeds. Let them crackle for a few seconds to release their flavors. -
Sautรฉing the Aromatics:
Add the finely chopped onions, ginger, garlic, and green chillies to the cooker. Sautรฉ them until the onions turn lightly translucent and aromatic. -
Cooking the Tomatoes:
Now, add the chopped tomatoes to the cooker and cook until they become soft and mushy, releasing their juices. -
Spicing It Up:
Stir in the coriander powder, red chilli powder, and garam masala powder. Mix well and let the spices cook for a minute to release their fragrance. -
Adding the Lentils:
Add the soaked lentils to the cooker along with salt to taste. Pour in enough water to ensure the water level is about 2 inches above the lentils. Mix everything thoroughly. -
Pressure Cooking:
Close the pressure cooker lid and cook the lentils on high heat for 4-5 whistles. Afterward, lower the heat and let the dal simmer for an additional 20 minutes. -
Finishing Touches:
Once the cooking is complete, turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally. Gently mash the cooked lentils with a spoon or a masher to achieve a slightly creamy texture. -
Flavor Boost:
Stir in the dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) and give the dal a good mix. Taste the dal and adjust salt or spices, if needed. Let it come to a brisk boil before serving. -
Garnishing:
To garnish, julienne a piece of ginger and sprinkle it over the dal for an added crunch and fresh flavor. -
Serving:
Transfer the dal to a serving bowl and serve hot. It pairs beautifully with Laccha Paratha, Aloo Gobi, or Bhindi Masala, along with a side of Peas Pulao and a refreshing Burani Raita.
Tips for Perfect Navrang Dal:
- Soaking the Lentils: Soaking the lentils overnight helps them cook faster and more evenly, resulting in a smoother dal.
- Adjusting Spices: Depending on your spice tolerance, you can adjust the amount of green chillies and red chilli powder to suit your taste.
- Consistency: If you prefer a thicker dal, reduce the amount of water. For a thinner consistency, you can add more water during the cooking process.
Why Choose Navrang Dal?
This dal is packed with proteins, fiber, and essential vitamins. The combination of eight different lentils and beans makes it not only nutritious but also rich in texture. The spices elevate the flavor, making it a truly satisfying dish that caters to both your nutritional needs and your taste preferences.
Health Benefits of Navrang Dal:
- High in Protein: The combination of various lentils and beans makes this dish a protein powerhouse, perfect for vegetarians and anyone looking to increase their protein intake.
- Rich in Fiber: The variety of lentils also provides a good amount of dietary fiber, which supports digestion and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
- Packed with Nutrients: Ingredients like ginger, garlic, and cumin provide added anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.
Conclusion:
Navrang Dal is a perfect dish to serve during the week for a nutritious and hearty meal. Its rich, spicy flavors and the wholesome goodness of mixed lentils make it a favorite among North Indian recipes. Whether you’re looking for a comfort meal or something to spice up your lunch or dinner, Navrang Dal is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with some hot parathas or rice, and you’ll have a satisfying and fulfilling meal.
