Here is a collection of 20 best and easy-to-make everyday Indian Dal recipes from my archive. Make these try and tested Dal recipes for lunch or dinner and get the required protein boost.
Apart from being a very good source of protein, lentils are also rich in iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium and are a good source of Vitamin B.

Dal or Lentils are a very important part of Indian food.
A lot of Indian population is vegetarian and there is nothing better than a daily dose of lentils to keep the protein requirement in check.
Keeping its health benefits in mind, Dal is introduced to a kid as young as 4 months.
Although we are a family of Non-vegetarians, Dal makes its appearance on the table almost every day.
There are a variety of lentils available and I always have a good variety stocked up in my pantry.
Tuvar or Arhar dal is most commonly cooked in my house and my son likes to call it yellow dal but Chana Dal, Moong Dal, Dhuli Moong Dal, Masoor dal are also quite frequent.
To make it interesting, I try to come up with a different version of Dal recipes by tweaking the recipes here and there and creating a new lentil preparation to go with rice or phulke.
How to make Vegan Dal Recipes?
Dals or lentils are vegan and gluten-free and when cooked in a home-style way, the only ingredient that is not vegan is ghee.
You can replace ghee with oil for the tempering of the dal and it will be vegan.
What to serve with Dal?
In India, dal is served with rice or roti (Chapati) along with a dry vegetable on the side. I like to serve pickle and papad with a dal rice menu.
Here is a collection of a few of my favourite dal recipes which can be easily made at home.
How to make tadka for the dal?
There are many ways in which you can make a tadka or tempering for the dal.
For everyday meals, I give a tempering of hing, jeera and red chilli powder. I sometimes add chopped garlic in it too.
When I want to make it elaborate, I fry the onion, tomato, green chilli and along with it goes cumin seeds and ginger.
You can also give a tempering of panch phoran or mustard seeds and curry leaves.
Best Dal Recipes
Check out my


Lauki Chana Dal Recipe– Lauki Chana Dal is a delicious Indian style lentil preparation which is healthy and delicious.
Moreover, it can be paired with roti or rice.
Cholar Dal Recipe – Cholar Dal is a traditional Bengali dish prepared from Chana Dal, ghee, coconut and other spices and is best paired with luchi or steamed rice.

Dal Dhokli Recipe – Dal Dhokli is a spicy, sweet, one-pot meal, prepared by simmering whole wheat flour bits in a lentil-based motley perked with spices.
It is popular in Gujarat and Rajasthan and is prepared mostly for lunch.
Hyderabadi Khatti Dal Recipe –
Dal Amritsari Recipe –

Masoor Dal Recipe – Chatpati Dal Masoor is a family favourite and the combination of Bharwan Bhindi with it is a killer.
Simple flavours, simple ingredients yet so much satisfaction.

Monique, Choose to Cook
Ok – I’m a little bit embarrassed to admit that, even though I am a food blogger myself and I love Indian Food, I didn’t realize Dal meant Lentils. I thought it was a type of curry…thank you for enlightening me!
Every single dish you shared looks incredible – my mouth is literally watering and I am absolutely going to have to try making some of these dishes myself!
msnehamathur
Thnx a Monique for your kind words. We all learn new things as we go and I am glad this article helped you demystify Dal 🙂