Come winter, the temperatures drop to almost freezing point in some states of India. The people in these states tide over the winters with simmering hot pots of dal which not only give them nutrition but also keep them warm. This is one of the cheapest ways to keep warm and stay healthy with a nutritious diet.
And India is a country that is known for its good food and its love for them. There is no denying the fact that just as Indian households are not complete without rice and potatoes on their table, so are their meals incomplete without a bowl of piping hot dal.
The Nutritional Value Of Dal
Every single dal is highly nutritious. All types of pulses (Dals) are the essence of every Indian kitchen. Dals are also the comfort food of people everywhere. They are high in:
- Calories
- Carbohydrates
- Fat
- Protein
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Iron
- Calcium
- Vitamins A and C
Benefits Of Consuming Dal
There are reasons why one should consume dals on a daily basis. They are extremely rich in vitamins and minerals that aid the different bodily functions smoothly. They help in the formation of blood which is essential to life. In general, they aid a healthy body and mind. And very importantly, they are on the affordable side for most people whilst getting so much nutrition from it.
The 5 Most Nutritious Dals
The five most essential and nutritious dals that every person should consume are listed below –
- Masoor dal
- Moong dal
- Urad dal or split black gram dal
- Chana dal
- Toor dal
Apart from these dals, one can consume rajma, which is also very wholesome. A simple rajma recipe would be to cook the boiled rajma in spices into a thick gravy that can be eaten with simple boiled rice or chapatti.
3 Most Flavourful And Healthy Dals To Tide Over The Winter Months
Dal Makhani
It is one of the most pleasing dals that one can consume. The dal makhani recipe tastes good with whatever you would like to pair it with. You can eat it with rice or paratha or chapatti. Oodles of cream, masalas, and tomato puree go into its making. It is cooked with urad dal and can well be served both at lunch or dinner.
Panchratna Dal
This is a good and highly nutritious Sindhi dal recipe cooked with five dals, namely masoor, moong, chana, toor or arhar, and urad dal. A lot of spices and cream are infused into it to make this a sumptuous meal.
The Bengali Chana Dal
It is a delicious recipe that is made with chana dal tempered with some whole spices and coconut pieces fried and dashed into it. And a generous splattering of ghee makes it lovely to be consumed with poori or the Bengali luchi.
These dals make for lovely winter meals that help you to stay warm and healthy. So just try them and see the amazing benefits that they give you.
