Main CourseLunchDinner

Dal Bhat Tarkari

Name: Dal Bhat Tarkari
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: nepali
Ingredients: 0.5 cup red lentil rinsed; 3 cup water; 0.5 tsp turmeric powder; 0.5 tsp salt; 2 tbsp ghee; 0.5 tsp cumin seed; 2 clove garlic minced; 1 pcs ginger grated; 1 pcs green chili slit lengthwise; 0.5 pcs tomato chopped; 2 tbsp fresh coriander chopped; 1.5 cup basmati rice rinsed; 3 cup water; 2 pcs potato peeled and cubed; 250 g cauliflower cut into florets; 1 cup green bean trimmed and chopped; 1 pcs onion chopped; 2 clove garlic minced; 1 pcs ginger grated; 2 tbsp ghee; 1 tsp cumin powder; 1 tsp coriander powder; 0.5 tsp turmeric powder; 0.5 tsp garam masala; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.5 cup water

This is a traditional Nepali meal featuring a comforting lentil soup (dal), steamed rice (bhat), and a vegetable curry (tarkari). It's a wholesome and nutritious dish, often served for lunch or dinner.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time: 1 hr 30 min
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Medium
Per serving: 675 kcal

VegetarianGluten-free

Allergen information: may contain milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Mise en place

Ingredients

dal

0.5 cupred lentil, rinsed
3 cupwater
0.5 tspturmeric powder
0.5 tspsalt

dal tarka

2 tbspghee
0.5 tspcumin seed
2 clovegarlic, minced
1 pcsginger, grated
1 pcsgreen chili, slit lengthwise
0.5 pcstomato, chopped

dal garnish

2 tbspfresh coriander, chopped

bhat

1.5 cupbasmati rice, rinsed
3 cupwater

tarkari

2 pcspotato, peeled and cubed
250 gcauliflower, cut into florets
1 cupgreen bean, trimmed and chopped
1 pcsonion, chopped
2 clovegarlic, minced
1 pcsginger, grated
2 tbspghee
1 tspcumin powder
1 tspcoriander powder
0.5 tspturmeric powder
0.5 tspgaram masala
0.5 tspsalt
0.5 cupwater

Equipment

small pan · large pan · measuring cups · measuring spoons · knife · cutting board · medium pot

The method

Step by step

1
Combine the dal, water, and turmeric powder in a medium pot.
2
Bring the dal to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and creamy.
About 25 min
Cook’s note: Skim any foam from the top during boiling.
3
While the dal simmers, rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Rinsing removes excess starch for fluffier rice.
4
Combine the rinsed basmati rice and water in a separate pot.
5
Bring the rice to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-18 minutes, or until all water is absorbed.
About 18 min
Cook’s note: Do not lift the lid during cooking.
6
Remove the rice from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
About 5 min
7
For the tarkari, heat ghee in a large pan or pot over medium heat.
About 2 min
8
Add the onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
About 7 min
9
Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
About 1 min
10
Add the cumin powder, coriander powder, and turmeric powder to the pan and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Toasting the spices enhances their flavor.
11
Add the cubed potato, cauliflower florets, and chopped green beans to the pan.
12
Pour in the water and salt, then bring to a simmer.
About 2 min
13
Cover the pan and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
About 20 min
14
Stir in the garam masala and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
About 2 min
15
Once the dal is cooked, add salt to taste.
16
For the dal tarka, heat ghee in a small pan over medium heat.
About 1 min
17
Add the cumin seed and let them splutter.
About 1 min
18
Add the garlic, ginger, and green chili, sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
About 1 min
19
Stir in the chopped tomato and cook until it softens, about 2-3 minutes.
About 3 min
20
Pour the hot tarka over the cooked dal and stir gently.
21
Garnish the dal with fresh coriander.
22
Serve the dal, bhat, and tarkari together as a complete meal.

Per serving

Nutrition

74%Score

Calories: 675.4kcal
Protein: 18.1g
Carbs: 113.2g
Fat: 15.9g
Fibre: 8.8g
Sugar: 5.5g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover dal, bhat, and tarkari separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat dal and tarkari gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Reheat rice in the microwave with a splash of water.