Daal Chawal
Beyond any elaborate dish, daal chawal is considered Pakistan's true comfort food, present on the table in almost every home several times a week. The simplicity of the lentil-and-rice combination hides technical complexity — getting the spice balance in the tarka right can turn an ordinary dish into a memorable one. Every family has its own tarka recipe passed down orally, some preferring lightly burnt garlic, others adding caramelized onion or tomatoes. Though considered a humble dish, suited to ordinary days, daal chawal holds a special place in Pakistani culinary identity, often the first meal students cook once away from home.
A mix of yellow and red lentils
Yellow lentils (moong daal) and red lentils simmer together, each bringing a different texture to the final sauce.
Sizzling tarka poured over the lentils
A sizzling mix of garlic, cumin and chili in clarified butter is poured over the lentils right before serving.
Plain rice, unspiced
The basmati rice is cooked completely plain, with just salt, so the spiced lentils dominate the meal's flavor.
A squeeze of lemon at the end
A splash of fresh lemon juice is added right before serving, brightening the richness of the lentils.
Ingredients 4 servings
- 1 cup yellow lentils
- 1/2 cup red lentils
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 4 garlic cloves, sliced
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 2 dried red chilies
- 3 tbsp clarified butter
- Salt and lemon juice
How to make it
- 1Wash both types of lentils together and put them in a pot with water and turmeric, bringing to a boil over high heat.
- 2Reduce the heat to low and let the lentils simmer for twenty-five minutes, until fully softened and breaking down.
- 3Add salt to taste and stir well, then keep the lentils covered on low heat while you prepare the rice.
- 4Wash the basmati rice and boil it in salted water for fifteen minutes, until fluffy, then drain it.
- 5Melt the clarified butter in a small pan over medium heat and add the sliced garlic, cumin and dried chilies.
- 6Fry for a few seconds, until the garlic browns lightly and releases a strong aroma.
- 7Immediately pour the sizzling mixture over the hot lentils, splash with lemon juice, and serve alongside the rice.
Nutritional info
per serving (~350 g)
Estimated nutritional values.
Pairs perfectly with
