Indian Lentil Based Dishes That Are Simply Mouth-Watering

Lentil or Dal is one of the most common dishes in the Indian food scene and dal based dishes are quite common both in Indian households and Indian restaurants. When you are exploring the Indian food menu to get Indian delivery in NYC, you will notice a couple of Lentil based dishes.

Dal is one of the staple food of India and it is cooked in almost all regions of the country. Sometimes, the lentils are cooked in the form of soup, sometimes as fritters and sometimes as a dessert even. This food item plays a big role in the vegetarian cuisine scene and is high in protein. Here are some of the most popular lentil dishes from Indian food that you’ll love.

Dal Tadka

This is a tasty, a little spicy, and a very easy to cook lentil recipe. There is no doubt about the popularity of Dal in India and it is cooked in several different variations. Dal Tadka is one of the many variations of cooking Dal and it is hugely popular, especially in the Northern states of India. In this dish, tempered spices and curry leaves are added after the dal is cooked and it is best served with jeera rice or plain rice but you can also serve it with flatbreads like roti and chapatis as per your preference.

Rajma Dal

This is one of the most popular North Indian dishes that is enjoyed all across the nation. Most Indian restaurants feature this delicious dish on their menu. Made from red kidney beans, this dish is usually made a little spicy. The beans are cooked in a ginger, garlic and tomato, and onion based gravy. Rajma Dal goes best with plain rice or you can also try it with tandoori roti and chapatis as well.

Moong Dal Fritters

This is yet another popular snack that uses lentils as its primary ingredients. It is a very popular street food in India and is very savory in taste. These fritters can be tried as an appetizer and are usually served with a green chutney and onion slices.

Dahi Vada

Those who love Indian food are well aware of the deliciousness of Dahi Vada, North Indian in origin, this dish can be enjoyed both as a side with other main courses, or as a snack. The vadas that are the primary component of this dish is made from Dal, which is then doused in a spiced yogurt mix and garnished with tamarind and green chutney on top. Dahi vadas are simply delicious and are a must-try item when exploring Indian food in New York.

Shahi Dal

This lip-smacking, regal Dal recipe is a tasteful and savory combination of five different lentils. It is also known as ‘Panchratan Dal’ because of the usage of five variations of lentils. Cooked with onion, tomato, and various spices. A little tempering of spices is also added from the top and it is served hot along with rice, chapatis, or tandoori rotis.

Sambar

Originating in the Southern state of India Sambar is a popular lentil recipe that can be enjoyed with several dishes. Sambar is more like lentil and vegetable-based stew that is usually served piping hot. Sambar is usually paired with vadas, idlis, or rice. Try idli sambar or vada sambar, two of the most delicious and classic South Indian dishes.

Moong Dal Halwa

The list of Indian desserts is a fairly endless one with so many classic dishes to try from. Moong Daal ka Halwa is one such delectable dessert that cannot be missed at all. This rich dessert is rather unusual because it uses Moong Dal as its main ingredient, which is quite uncommon when it comes to dessert. It can be served both hot and cold and it is delicious either way.