18 North Indian Dal Recipe Easy You Must Try Them!
Published on: Mar 30, 2024
In North India, dal is a staple dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. This simple yet flavorful dish is not only easy to make, but also highly nutritious. Made with a variety of lentils and spices, North Indian dal is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with rice or bread. If you're new to this cuisine, don't worry! In this article, we will provide you with an easy and authentic North Indian dal recipe that you can make at home. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this delicious and hearty dish!
Indian-Style Red Lentils with Ginger (Red Lentil Dal)
Main Ingredients: Red Lentils, Ground Turmeric, Water, Grapeseed Oil
This flavorful and hearty dish is a staple in Indian cuisine. Made with red lentils, ginger, and a blend of spices, it's a perfect vegetarian option for any meal. The lentils are cooked until they're soft and creamy, and the ginger adds a subtle, spicy kick. Serve it over rice or with some naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Indian Dal Nirvana (Dal Makhani)
Main Ingredients: Dry Lentils, Crushed Tomato, Fresh Ginger, Minced
This rich and indulgent dish is a must-try for any Indian food lover. Made with a combination of lentils and kidney beans, it's slow-cooked with ghee (clarified butter) and a blend of spices for a creamy, flavorful result. It's often served as a side dish, but can also be enjoyed as a main course with some roti or paratha bread.
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North Indian Chicken Curry
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Onions, Plain Yogurt, Cornstarch, Ginger
This classic North Indian dish is a crowd-pleaser with its tender chicken and rich, fragrant sauce. The key to this dish is the garam masala, a blend of spices that gives it its distinct flavor. It's best served with some basmati rice and raita (a cool yogurt-based sauce) to balance out the heat.
For those looking for a quick and easy Indian dish, this Instant Pot dal is the perfect solution. Made with a combination of lentils and a blend of Indian spices, it's a hearty and flavorful option that can be made in just minutes. It's a great weeknight meal and can be served with rice or naan bread.
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Masoor Dal Tadka - Indian Red Lentil Dal
Main Ingredients: Masoor Dal, Water, Oil, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Minced
This simple and comforting dish is a staple in Indian homes. Made with red lentils and a blend of spices, it's a quick and easy option for busy weeknights. The tadka, or tempering, of spices at the end adds a burst of flavor and makes this dish truly irresistible.
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Indian Dal Soup
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, White Onion, Garlic, Fresh Ginger, Cayenne
For a lighter option, try this delicious Indian dal soup. Made with lentils, vegetables, and a blend of spices, it's a nutritious and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a starter or a main course. Serve it with some papad (crispy flatbread) for a satisfying crunch.
This classic Indian dish is a favorite for its simplicity and delicious flavor. Made with red lentils and a blend of spices, it's a staple in most Indian homes. It's best served with some chapati (unleavened flatbread) or roti for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Dhaba Style Dal Tadka - A spicy North Indian vegan dish
Main Ingredients: Pigeon Pea, Moong Dal, Bengal Gram, Small Onion
This flavorful and spicy dal is a popular street food in North India. Made with a combination of lentils and a tadka (tempering) of spices, it's a delicious and vegan-friendly option that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. Add some chopped cilantro on top for an extra burst of freshness.
Dal is a staple in Indian cuisine, and there are countless variations of this dish. Made with a variety of lentils and a blend of spices, it's a versatile and delicious option that can be enjoyed in various forms. Whether it's a simple dal tadka or a more complex dal makhani, you can never go wrong with a bowl of warm and comforting dal.
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Creamy Indian Lentils (Dal Tadka)
Main Ingredients: Lentils, Chopped Onion, Chopped Tomatoes, Ginger
This creamy and indulgent dal is a popular dish in North India. Made with a combination of lentils and a blend of spices, it's slow-cooked to perfection for a rich and flavorful result. The tadka of spices at the end adds a burst of flavor and takes this dish to the next level.
No list of Indian recipes is complete without the mention of butter chicken. This iconic dish is a favorite among many for its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken. It's best served with some naan bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
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North Indian Baked Eggs
Main Ingredients: Ghee, Onions, Garlic, Cilantro, Ground Turmeric
If you're looking for a unique and flavorful way to enjoy breakfast, look no further than these North Indian-style baked eggs. Made with a blend of spices and topped with a creamy tomato-based sauce, it's a delicious twist on the classic breakfast dish.
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Indian Chicken Korma
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Extra Virgin Olive
This rich and creamy dish is a favorite in Indian households for its flavorful sauce and tender chicken. Made with a blend of spices and a creamy base of cashew paste, it's a dish that will impress any guest. It's best served with some basmati rice and naan bread.
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North Indian Chickpea Curry
Main Ingredients: Dried Chickpeas, Shallots, Garlic, Olive Oil, Cumin
For a vegetarian option that doesn't skimp on flavor, try this North Indian-style chickpea curry. Made with a blend of spices and a creamy tomato-based sauce, it's a hearty and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed on its own or with some rice or naan bread.
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North Indian-style Scrambled Eggs
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Ghee, Olive Oil, Red Onion, Garlic, Ginger
For a quick and easy breakfast option, give these North Indian-style scrambled eggs a try. Made with a blend of spices and topped with fresh herbs, it's a flavorful and protein-packed way to start your day. Serve it with some paratha bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Spicy North Indian Baked Eggs
Main Ingredients: Tomatoes, Butter, Olive Oil, Chopped Onion, Garlic
If you're a fan of spicy food, these baked eggs are a must-try. Made with a blend of spices and topped with a spicy tomato-based sauce, it's a delicious and unique way to enjoy eggs. Serve it with some chapati or roti for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Instant Pot Dal (Indian Lentil) Dal Tadka
Main Ingredients: Arhar Dal, Masoor, Green Lentil, Water, Turmeric
For a quick and easy version of the classic Indian dal tadka, try this recipe made in an Instant Pot. It's a flavorful and convenient option for busy weeknights, and the result is just as delicious as the traditional slow-cooked version. Serve it with some basmati rice and raita for a complete and satisfying meal.
This seafood twist on the classic Indian curry is a must-try for any seafood lover. Made with tender shrimp and a blend of spices, it's a flavorful and indulgent dish that can be enjoyed with some naan bread or rice. Don't forget to top it off with some chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.
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Favorite Indian Lentils and Spinach (Dal Palak)
Main Ingredients: Red Lentils, Baby Spinach Leaves, Water, Salt, Ground
This dish is a great way to add some greens to your diet while still enjoying your favorite Indian flavors. Made with lentils and spinach, it's a nutritious and flavorful option that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. Serve it with some chapati or paratha for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Bhindi Masala (North Indian Okra Stir-Fry)
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Garlic, Chiles De Arbol, Red Onion, Okra
This spicy and flavorful okra dish is a staple in North Indian cuisine. Made with a blend of spices and topped with fresh herbs, it's a delicious and unique way to enjoy this often underrated vegetable. Serve it with some chapati or roti for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients You'll Need
Lentils:
The main ingredient in North Indian dal is lentils, also known as dal in Hindi. You can use a variety of lentils such as yellow split peas, red lentils, or even a combination of different lentils to make this dish. Lentils are a great source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them a healthy addition to your diet.
Spices:
The key to making flavorful North Indian dal is the use of spices. The most commonly used spices in this dish are cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. These spices not only add a depth of flavor but also have many health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and aiding digestion.
Other Ingredients:
Apart from lentils and spices, you will need onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and green chilies to make this dal. These ingredients add a tangy and slightly spicy taste to the dish. You can adjust the amount of chili according to your preference.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Lentils
Start by rinsing the lentils thoroughly and then soaking them for 30 minutes. This will help in reducing the cooking time. Drain the lentils and set them aside.
Step 2: Saute the Aromatics
In a pot, heat some oil and add chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Saute them until they turn golden brown. Then, add chopped tomatoes and green chilies and cook until the tomatoes are soft.
Step 3: Add Spices and Lentils
Add the spices - cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala - to the pot and cook for a minute. Then, add the soaked lentils and mix well with the spices and aromatics.
Step 4: Cook the Dal
Add enough water to cover the lentils and bring it to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The dal should be soft and thick in consistency.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the dal is cooked, add some chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor. Serve hot with rice or bread.
In Conclusion
Making North Indian dal at home is not as daunting as it may seem. With the right ingredients and simple steps, you can recreate this classic dish in your own kitchen. This versatile dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect addition to your meal rotation. So, don't wait any longer and give this easy North Indian dal recipe a try today!
Indian-Style Red Lentils with Ginger (Red Lentil Dal)
