Cookbook:Dal
| Dal | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Category | Pulses |
Cookbook | Recipes | Ingredients
Dal is an Indian term referring to split, often skinless pulses.[1][2] There are many varieties.
Characteristics
[edit | edit source]The exact characteristics of dal will depend on the specific pulse it comes from. In general, because dal is split and skinless, it cooks much more quickly than the whole pulse.[2]
Varieties
[edit | edit source]The following are various dals commonly sold:[2][3]
- Chana dal: split brown chickpeas; golden yellow in color
- Chowli dal: split black eyed peas; cream/tan in color
- Masoor dal: split red lentils; bright orange in color
- Moong dal: split mung beans; bright yellow in color
- Toor dal: split pigeon peas; golden yellow in color
- Val dal: lablab beans; cream/tan in color
- Urad dal: urad/black gram beans; cream/tan in color
Selection and storage
[edit | edit source]Store dal in an airtight container at room temperature, away from any moisture. It lasts for a long time, though the cooking time increases the older the dal gets.[2]
Use
[edit | edit source]Typically dal is boiled to a porridge consistency, then spiced by adding vegetable oil or ghee in which spices such as cumin and coriander seeds have been fried.[1][4] Dal can also be fermented and ground to make dosa or idlis, or used in some desserts.[5] And, it can even be used as a garnish, as in
To make simple cooked dal, combine the dal with 3–4 times the water, then simmer until tender. You'll want to check them periodically to assess their doneness and make sure they don't dry out before they're cooked.[2]
Gallery
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Masoor dal -
Chana dal -
Toor dal -
Moong dal
Recipes
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ a b Tanis, David (2014-02-28). "The How and Why of Dal" (in en-US). The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/05/dining/the-how-and-why-of-dal.html.
- ↑ a b c d e Puja (2022-09-07). "A Guide to Indian Dal, Lentils, Beans, and Pulses". Indiaphile. Retrieved 2024-06-02.
- ↑ Foods, Snuk. "A Cook's Guide to Indian Dal". Snuk Foods. Retrieved 2024-06-02.
- ↑ Nast, Condé (2017-01-30). "The Easiest Indian Dish You're Not Making". Epicurious. Retrieved 2023-11-23.
- ↑ Agrawal, Chitra (2021-11-22). "Dal Is an Ingredient, Dal Is a Dish, and Dal Is So Much More Than Either". Bon Appétit. Retrieved 2024-06-02.