Daal Biryani

Daal Biryani is a delightful fusion of spiced lentils and fragrant basmati rice, creating a hearty and comforting dish. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a perfect dairy-free option for dinner.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 150 grams
• Mixed lentils (moong dal, masoor dal) - 100 grams
• Onion - 1 medium, thinly sliced
• Tomato - 1 medium, chopped
• Ginger - 1 inch, grated
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Green chili - 1, slit
• Cilantro - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Mint leaves - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Biryani masala - 1 tablespoon
• Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
• Mustard seeds - 1/2 teaspoon
• Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons
• Salt - to taste
• Water - 500 ml

Steps

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it in water for 20 minutes, then drain.
2. In a pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds, and let them splutter.
3. Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown, then add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chili. Cook for a couple of minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, biryani masala, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes soften.
5. Add the mixed lentils and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Then, add 500 ml of water and bring to a boil.
6. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the lentils are cooked but not mushy.
7. In another pot, bring 700 ml of water to a boil and add the soaked and drained basmati rice. Cook until the rice is 70% done, then drain.
8. Layer the partially cooked rice on top of the lentil mixture in the pot, adding chopped cilantro and mint leaves on top.
9. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let it cook on low heat for another 10-15 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and absorbs the flavors.
10. Fluff gently with a fork before serving. Garnish with additional cilantro and mint leaves if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 18 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 15 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in protein and fiber from lentils, promoting digestive health.
• Contains a variety of spices that may have anti-inflammatory properties.

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