Best Easy Panchratna Dal Recipe

Panchratna Dal is a nourishing Indian lentil dish cooked with aromatic spices and a flavorful tempering. This high protein vegetarian staple is DASH-friendly, budget-conscious, and perfect for healthy family meals.

Cook 65 min Difficulty NORMAL 230 kcal
#vegetarian #DASH #high protein #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Split moong dal 0.25 cup
  • Chana dal 0.25 cup
  • Toor dal 0.25 cup
  • Split urad dal 0.25 cup
  • Masoor dal 0.25 cup
  • Onion, finely chopped 0.75 cup
  • Tomato, finely chopped 0.75 cup
  • Garlic, minced 2 cloves
  • Fresh ginger, minced 1 tbsp
  • Green chili, chopped 1 piece
  • Water 5 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Cumin seeds 1 tsp
  • Turmeric powder 0.5 tsp
  • Red chili powder 0.5 tsp
  • Ground coriander 1 tsp
  • Garam masala 0.5 tsp
  • Salt 1 tsp
  • Oil (neutral or ghee) 2 tbsp
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped 2 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 33 g 57%
Protein 13 g 22%
Fat 5 g 21%
Serving size 220g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Mix all five dals, wash thoroughly, and soak in water for 30 minutes for even cooking.

  2. 2

    In a large pot or pressure cooker, add soaked dals and 5 cups water. Bring to a boil, skim off foam, then lower heat and simmer (or pressure cook) until dals are soft but hold shape, about 30-40 minutes stovetop or 7-8 minutes after pressure.

  3. 3

    While the dal cooks, heat oil or ghee in a skillet over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle until aromatic but not burnt, about 30 seconds.

  4. 4

    Add onion, sauté until golden and slightly caramelized, then add garlic, ginger, and green chili. Cook 1-2 minutes for fragrance, stirring continuously.

  5. 5

    Add tomatoes, turmeric, red chili powder, and ground coriander. Cook on medium, stirring, until tomatoes are soft and oil begins to separate—about 5-6 minutes.

  6. 6

    Pour the tempering mixture into the cooked dal, add salt and garam masala, and simmer together uncovered on low for 8-10 minutes for flavors to meld, stirring occasionally.

  7. 7

    Adjust the dal consistency by adding hot water if needed. Taste and correct seasoning. Finish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What are the key ingredients in Panchratna Dal?
The core of Panchratna Dal is the blend of five lentils—moong dal, chana dal, toor dal, urad dal, and masoor dal. These provide the dish's signature taste, protein content, and creamy texture when cooked together with aromatic spices.
Q. How should I control the heat to avoid overcooking the dal?
Begin by bringing the soaked dals to a boil, then immediately drop to a gentle simmer or use pressure cooking. Keep the heat moderate when tempering spices, so cumin seeds sizzle without burning and onions caramelize for depth of flavor. Finishing the dal uncovered on low prevents scorching.
Q. How do I achieve the perfect creamy-yet-separate texture in this dal?
Soak the mixed dals before cooking, and avoid stirring vigorously once they are soft to retain some body. Simmer the finished dish gently so it thickens without turning mushy, and always add extra water gradually if you prefer a looser consistency.
Q. What is the nutrition profile of this Panchratna Dal per serving?
Each 220g serving provides about 230 kcal, with 33g carbohydrates (57%), 13g protein (22%), and 5g fat (21%). This balance delivers a high-protein, DASH-friendly meal that fits well in a healthy eating plan.
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