Navaratan Dal: 9-Lentil Indian Delight – Recipe
35 minutes
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About Navaratan Dal: 9-Lentil Indian Delight - Recipe
Indulge in the rich and hearty flavors of Navaratan Dal, a vibrant Indian lentil stew brimming with nine types of legumes and spices. This protein-packed dish is not only incredibly delicious but also a powerhouse of nutrition, offering essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for a wholesome and satisfying meal.This recipe provides a detailed guide to creating this flavorful and healthy vegetarian delight. Perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner, Navaratan Dal is a testament to the culinary artistry of Indian cuisine, offering a complex yet balanced flavor profile in every spoonful.Prepare to be amazed by the creamy texture and aromatic spices that come together to create this unforgettable dish. It's a celebration of legumes and a testament to the nutritional power of plant-based cuisine.
Recipe Time & More
Prep10 minutes
Cook25 minutes
Total35 minutes
Ingredients
Legumes (Pre-soaked Overnight)
- 1/2 cup Kidney beans rajma
- 1/2 cup Chickpeas black, kala chana
- 1/2 cup Chickpea also known as white chickpeas or chole, split, split chickpeas
- 1/2 cup Peas also known as white peas, green, matar, split
- 1/2 cup Peas green
- 1/2 cup Black-eyed peas lobia
- 1/4 cup Lentils black, black gram
- 1/4 cup Lentils green, mung dal, split
Spices & Aromatics
- 1 cup Onion Paste
- 2 tsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
- 1 cup Tomato Paste fresh tomato paste is preferred
- 1 tsp Turmeric Powder haldi
- 1 tsp Chili Powder red
- 2 tsp Cumin Seeds jeera
- 4 tsp Coriander Powder dhania
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 2 Chilies dried, lal mirch, red, whole
- 1 tsp Cinnamon Powder
- 1 tsp Garam Masala
- 2 Chilies green, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup Coriander chopped, dhania
- 1 tbsp Curry Leaves
Instructions
Prepare the Legumes
- Soak all nine types of lentils overnight. Boil the soaked lentils with 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp turmeric powder, and salt to taste until tender.
Sauté Aromatics
- Heat oil in a pan. Fry the whole red chilies until slightly browned, then set aside. Add the onion paste and ginger-garlic paste, sauté until light brown.
Build the Flavor
- Add cumin seeds, coriander powder, red chili powder, and tomato paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add the boiled lentils and simmer for 5 minutes.
Finishing Touches
- Stir in the cinnamon powder and garam masala. Add the chopped green chilies and fresh coriander leaves. Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Make the Tarka
- In a separate small pan, heat butter. Add cumin seeds and curry leaves, sauté briefly until fragrant. Add the fried red chilies.
Combine and Serve
- Pour the tarka over the Navaratan Dal. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with extra coriander leaves. Serve hot with rice or roti.
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for the Best Navaratan Dal:
- For a richer flavor, use ghee (clarified butter) instead of vegetable oil.
- Adjust the amount of red chili powder according to your spice preference.
- Don't overcook the dal; it should be creamy but still retain its texture.
- If your dal is too thick, add a little water to adjust the consistency.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 131kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 1gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 4.8gCholesterol: 1mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3g
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This looks so appetizing! Thank you.
This looks so appetizing! Thank you.
Looks incredible! Thanks for the details.
What a great recipe! Thanks for sharing.
This looks so good! Can’t wait to cook it.