Back to list

Best Easy Gujarati Dal Recipe

Name: Best Easy Gujarati Dal Recipe
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 220 g
Ingredients: yellow split pigeon peas (toor dal) 1 cup; water 4 cups; tomato 1 large; ginger 1 tbsp; turmeric powder 0.5 tsp; cumin seeds 1 tsp; mustard seeds 1 tsp; curry leaves 8 pieces; green chili 1 piece; ghee or oil 1 tbsp; salt 1 tsp; lemon juice 1 tbsp; jaggery (or brown sugar) 2 tsp

Gujarati Dal brings together lentils and traditional Indian spices for a comforting, protein-packed meal. This affordable vegetarian dish is a healthy family favorite that fits into any calorie-conscious plan.

Cook 55 min Difficulty NORMAL 210 kcal

#vegetarian #mediterranean #diabetic friendly

Image coming soon

Ingredients

Main ingredients

yellow split pigeon peas (toor dal) 1 cup
water 4 cups
tomato 1 large
ginger 1 tbsp

Seasonings/Sauce

turmeric powder 0.5 tsp
cumin seeds 1 tsp
mustard seeds 1 tsp
curry leaves 8 pieces
green chili 1 piece
ghee or oil 1 tbsp
salt 1 tsp
lemon juice 1 tbsp
jaggery (or brown sugar) 2 tsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 34 g 64%

Protein 9 g 17%

Fat 4 g 19%

Serving size 220g

Cooking steps

1

Rinse the toor dal thoroughly, then combine with water, turmeric, and ginger in a medium pot. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and simmer, partially covered, for 40 minutes until soft.
2

Mash the cooked dal lightly with a ladle or potato masher for a creamy texture. Add diced tomato and green chili, simmer for another 10 minutes for flavors to blend.
3

In a separate small pan, heat ghee or oil over medium heat. When oil shimmers, add mustard and cumin seeds; let them crackle for 15–30 seconds.
4

Add curry leaves to the hot oil, stirring for 10 seconds to release their aroma. Immediately pour the seasoned oil (tadka) into the simmering dal.
5

Stir in salt, jaggery, and lemon juice. Simmer on low for 5 more minutes, adjusting seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with rice or flatbread.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What key ingredients shape the classic flavor of Gujarati Dal?

The core ingredients include yellow split pigeon peas (toor dal) for hearty protein, tomato for tang, ginger and green chili for warmth, and a tempering of cumin seeds, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and turmeric powder. Jaggery adds traditional sweetness, grounding the signature sweet-sour-spiced profile.

Q. Which cooking steps are critical for perfect Gujarati Dal?

Gently simmering the dal until soft and then mashing it ensures creaminess. Blooming whole cumin and mustard seeds in hot ghee or oil (tadka step) and adding fresh curry leaves amplify aroma and flavor. Simmering after adding seasonings allows the taste to fully meld.

Q. How can I prevent the dal from turning gummy or too thin?

Mash the dal only lightly after it’s fully cooked—a heavy hand creates gumminess. Use the full recommended water amount; if the dal is too thick, add a bit more and simmer briefly, stirring gently. Don’t overwork after tempering is added.

Q. How many calories does each serving contain, and what is its protein-to-carb ratio?

Each serving of Gujarati Dal contains approximately 210 kcal, with 9g protein (17% of calories) and 34g carbohydrates (64% of calories), making it a balanced, protein-boosted vegetarian meal suited for a calorie-conscious plan.

Q. Is Gujarati Dal a good option for diabetic-friendly or Mediterranean-style diets?

Absolutely—each serving contains 34g carbs and is based on low-glycemic lentils, moderate fat, and only a touch of natural sugar. The recipe features healthy plant-based ingredients, making it suitable for both Mediterranean and diabetic-friendly dietary choices.

Best Easy Gujarati Dal Recipe

AI 영양사 앤디