Authentic Nepalese Dal Bhat Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of Dal (lentils)
  • 2 cups of Basmati Rice
  • 4 cups of Water for Dal
  • 4 cups of Water for Rice
  • 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
  • 2 Green Chilies, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon of Ginger-Garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon of Turmeric Powder
  • 1 teaspoon of Cumin Seeds
  • 2 tablespoons of Vegetable Oil
  • 1 teaspoon of Red Chili Powder
  • 1 teaspoon of Garam Masala Powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh Coriander Leaves for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Wash the dal and rice under running water until the water runs clear. Soak them separately in water for about 30 minutes.
  2. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the soaked and drained dal to the pot. Cook on medium heat until the dal is soft and mushy. This should take about 20-25 minutes.
  3. While the dal is cooking, heat the vegetable oil in a separate pan. Add the cumin seeds and let them crackle for a few seconds.
  4. Add the finely chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they become soft and golden.
  5. Add the green chilies and ginger-garlic paste to the pan and sauté for another minute.
  6. Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala powder, and salt to the pan. Stir well to combine the spices with the onion mixture.
  7. Pour the spiced onion mixture into the pot with the cooked dal. Mix well and let the dal simmer for another 10 minutes.
  8. While the dal is simmering, cook the rice. In a separate pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the soaked and drained rice to the boiling water. Cook on medium heat until the rice is soft and fully cooked. This should take about 15-20 minutes.
  9. Drain the rice and set it aside.
  10. Serve the Dal with the cooked rice. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use different types of lentils such as yellow moong dal or masoor dal for variation in flavor and texture.
  • Add vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, carrots, or peas to the dal for added nutrition and flavor.
  • Create a tadka (tempering) by heating ghee or oil with spices like mustard seeds, curry leaves, and asafoetida, and pour it over the cooked dal for added aroma and taste.
  • Try using different types of rice like brown rice, jasmine rice, or quinoa instead of basmati rice.
  • Make it spicier by adding more green chilies or red chili powder, or adjust the spice level according to your preference.
  • Add coconut milk or cream for a creamy variation of dal.
  • For a vegan option, substitute vegetable oil for ghee.
  • You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or tamarind paste for a tangy twist.
  • Experiment with different garnishes such as fried onions, roasted cashews, or grated coconut.
  • If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash some of the cooked dal with a spoon or blend it partially using an immersion blender.

Recipe overview

Dal Bhat is a traditional Nepalese dish that is both nutritious and comforting. The term "Dal Bhat" essentially translates to "lentil curry and rice", accurately describing this simple, yet flavorful dish. The recipe involves preparing a spicy lentil curry (Dal) and serving it with soft, fluffy basmati rice (Bhat). The Dal is cooked until it's mushy and soft, and then it's seasoned with a variety of aromatic spices including turmeric, cumin, garam masala, and red chili powder. The Bhat, on the other hand, is simply cooked until it's perfectly soft and fluffy. This Dal Bhat recipe is fairly straightforward to make and requires basic ingredients that are mostly found in an Asian kitchen. It's a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a weekday dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Plus, it's vegetarian and gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions. In this recipe, we'll take you through each step of the process to ensure you end up with a perfect dish of Dal Bhat. Enjoy the cooking journey!

Common questions

  1. What type of lentils should I use for Dal Bhat?
    You can use any type of lentils for Dal Bhat, but commonly used lentils include red lentils (masoor dal), split yellow lentils (moong dal), or split pigeon peas (toor dal).
  2. Can I use brown rice instead of basmati rice?
    Yes, you can substitute basmati rice with brown rice. Keep in mind that the cooking time may be longer for brown rice.
  3. Can I use oil other than vegetable oil?
    Yes, you can use other cooking oils like canola oil or sunflower oil as a substitute for vegetable oil.
  4. What can I use as a garnish besides coriander leaves?
    If you don't have coriander leaves, you can use chopped parsley or mint leaves as a garnish.
  5. Can I add vegetables to the dal?
    Absolutely! You can add vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, spinach, or peas to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the dal.
  6. Is there a substitute for garam masala powder?
    If you don't have garam masala powder, you can use a combination of ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cloves as a substitute.
  7. Can I make this recipe vegan?
    Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by using a plant-based oil instead of ghee or butter.
  8. How can I make the dal spicier?
    If you prefer spicier dal, you can increase the amount of red chili powder or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the recipe.
  9. Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
    Yes, you can cook the dal and rice separately in the Instant Pot by adjusting the cooking time and water ratio accordingly.
  10. Is Dal Bhat a complete meal?
    Yes, Dal Bhat is considered a complete meal as it provides a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and essential nutrients. However, you can also serve it with additional side dishes or accompaniments if desired.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Pot - A large pot to cook the dal and rice.
  • Pan - A separate pan to sauté the onions and spices.
  • Serving Bowls - Bowls to serve the cooked dal and rice.
  • Spoons - Spoons for stirring and serving.
  • Knife - A knife for chopping the onions and green chilies.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board to chop the onions and green chilies.
  • Measuring Cups - Measuring cups to accurately measure the dal, rice, and water.
  • Strainer - A strainer to drain the cooked rice.
  • Garnish - Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing the dish.

Origin stories

Dal Bhat, a humble yet hearty comfort food, has been a staple diet of the people of Nepal and India for centuries. It is a meal so integral to their daily life that the phrase "Dal Bhat power, 24 hour" was coined, poking fun at the meal's reputation for providing enough energy to sustain a whole day's work. This endearing phrase became an unofficial slogan among trekkers in the Himalayas, reflecting the dish's popularity and significance in these regions. The beauty of Dal Bhat lies in its simplicity and its adaptability. It can be as plain or as rich as you want it to be, changing its form with every region it has traveled to, yet the soul of the dish remains the same - a soothing meal that brings comfort to the heart and energy to the body.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.