Daal Chawal
Daal Chawal is a comforting and nourishing dish made of spiced lentils served with fluffy rice, perfect for a fulfilling breakfast. Packed with protein and flavor, it's a staple in Indian households that brings warmth and satisfaction to your morning routine.

30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Indian
450 kcal
Ingredients
- Split red lentils (masoor dal) - 100 grams
- Basmati rice - 150 grams
- Water - 1 liter (for cooking lentils and rice)
- Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
- Tomato - 1 medium, chopped
- Ginger - 1 teaspoon, grated
- Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
- Green chili - 1, slit
- Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
- Cumin seeds - 1/2 teaspoon
- Mustard seeds - 1/2 teaspoon
- Coriander powder - 1 teaspoon
- Garam masala - 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt - to taste
- Cilantro (coriander leaves) - for garnish
- Vegetable oil or ghee - 2 tablespoons
Steps
- Rinse the split red lentils under running water until the water runs clear.
- In a pot, add the rinsed lentils, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, and 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes until the lentils are soft.
- While the lentils are cooking, rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a separate pot, add the rinsed rice, 2 cups of water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes until the rice is fluffy and cooked through.
- In a frying pan, heat the vegetable oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and mustard seeds; let them splutter.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
- Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and slit green chili. Cook for a minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped tomato, coriander powder, remaining turmeric, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and oil starts to separate.
- Once the lentils are cooked, pour the onion-tomato mixture into the pot with the lentils and stir. Add garam masala and adjust salt if necessary. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Serve the daal hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, alongside the fluffy basmati rice.
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbs: 65 g
- Fiber: 15 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Total Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Water: 0.5 L
Health Benefits
- High in protein and fiber, promoting satiety and digestive health.
- Rich in essential vitamins and minerals, supporting overall wellness.
Tags
IndianVegetarianBreakfast