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This Easy Dal with Fried Bread and Rice recipe combines comforting yellow lentils with fluffy rice and crispy fried bread, creating a satisfying meal for any weeknight. Packed with spices and flavor, this dish is not only delicious but also simple to prepare, making it a perfect addition to your home cooking repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, with a creamy dal, light rice, and crispy bread. Here are a few reasons to try it out:
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Comforting Meal: Hearty and satisfying for the whole family.
- Customizable: Adjust spices and ingredients to your taste.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein and fiber from the lentils.
- Deliciously Flavorful: Aromatic spices elevate the dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow lentils (split yellow dal)
- 3 cups water (for cooking lentils)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 2 green chilies, slit (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups water (for cooking rice)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for fried bread)
- Water as needed (for dough)
- Oil for frying
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Dal with Fried Bread and Rice
- Rinse the yellow lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. In a pot, combine the lentils, 3 cups of water, turmeric, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are soft.
- While the lentils are cooking, prepare the rice. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a separate pot, combine the rice and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is fluffy and water is absorbed.
- In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds. Add the chopped onion, garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté until the onions are golden brown.
- Once the lentils are cooked, add the sautéed onion mixture to the lentils. Stir well and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Adjust salt and spices according to your preference.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt. Gradually add water until a soft dough forms. Knead for a few minutes. Divide the dough into small balls.
- Roll out each ball into a flat disc. In a deep pan, heat oil for frying over medium heat. Once hot, carefully drop in the rolled dough. Fry until golden brown and puffed, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve the dal hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, alongside the fluffy rice and crispy fried bread.
Tips for the Best Results
- Make sure to rinse the lentils and rice well before cooking to remove excess starch.
- Adjust the number of green chilies based on your heat preference.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice before serving.
- Use ghee instead of vegetable oil for a more authentic taste.
Easy Variations
- Substitute yellow lentils with red lentils for a slightly different flavor and quicker cooking time.
- Add spinach or kale to the dal for extra nutrients.
- Try different spices like garam masala or coriander powder for additional depth of flavor.
- For a vegan version, ensure to use vegetable oil for frying.
What to Serve With It
- A side of pickles for added tang.
- A fresh salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions.
- Yogurt or raita to balance the spices.
- A steaming cup of chai or masala tea for a complete meal experience.
Storage and Reheating
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Leftover dal can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. Fried bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored at room temperature for a day and reheated in a toaster or pan.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield/Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 cup yellow lentils (split yellow dal)
- 3 cups water (for cooking lentils)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 2 green chilies, slit (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups water (for cooking rice)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for fried bread)
- Water as needed (for dough)
- Oil for frying
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Rinse the yellow lentils under cold water until clear. In a pot, combine lentils, 3 cups water, turmeric, and salt. Boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until soft.
- Prepare rice by rinsing and cooking in 2 cups water until fluffy, about 15 minutes.
- In a pan, heat oil, add cumin seeds, then onions, garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté until onions are golden.
- Add sautéed mixture to cooked lentils and simmer for 5 minutes, adjusting salt as needed.
- Mix flour with salt, add water to form a soft dough, knead, and divide into balls.
- Roll each ball into discs, fry in hot oil until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Serve dal hot, garnished with cilantro, alongside rice and fried bread.
Notes: Rinse lentils/rice well, adjust spice levels, and enjoy with yogurt or salad.





















