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–+ servings
nav dhan dal

Nav Dhan Dal

Jyoti Behrani
Nav Dhan dal is a creamy, and flavorful dal made with a combination of nine different beans and lentils and aromatic Indian spices!
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Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian, North Indian
Servings 4
Calories 252 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Nav Dhan mix, soaked overnight or a minimum of 6 hours
  • 2 ½ cups water
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
  • ½ tablespoon tomato paste (optional)
  • ½ inch ginger, chopped
  • 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-2 green chili, chopped; adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon lemon juice, as per taste
  • 2 tablespoons oil 
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional); For vegan, please refer to the recipe notes
  • 2 tablespoons cream (optional); For vegan, please refer to the recipe notes
  • salt to taste

Dry Spices:

(Optional) For Brown Rice:

  • 1 cup brown rice, rinsed
  • 1 ⅓ cups water
  • salt to taste (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon ghee or oil (optional)

For Garnish:

  • A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Instructions
 

PREP FOR NAV DHAN DAL

  • Rinse and soak, Nav Dhan mix overnight or a minimum of 6 hours. After 6 hours, drain and rinse the dal, and keep it aside.
    Note: For the no-soak option, refer to the recipe notes.
  • Chop onions, tomatoes, green chili, ginger, and garlic.

INSTANT POT NAV DHAN DAL

  • Turn ON sauté (more). When it displayed “HOT”, add oil, cumin seeds, and asafetida.
  • Add onions, and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes or until onions are translucent.
  • Add tomatoes, ginger, green chili, and tomato paste (optional).
  • Dry spices – coriander powder, turmeric powder, dry mango powder, red chili powder, and salt to taste. Sauté for 1-2 minutes.
  • Add drained and rinsed lentils and beans, and water. Mix well. Turn OFF sauté.
  • Optional: Place a trivet. In an insert (bowl) add all the ingredients for brown rice and place the insert on the trivet. Close lid, vent sealed.
  • Turn ON the PRESSURE COOK (high) for 40 minutes. Let pressure release naturally. Open the lid.
  • (Optional) Using tongs, carefully remove the bowl of brown rice and the trivet.
  • Turn ON sauté (more). Add garam masala, lemon juice, and butter (optional). If required add more water to adjust the consistency.
    Note: For vegan, use vegan butter.
  • Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid any sticking to the bottom.
  • Turn OFF sauté. Add cream (optional). Garnish with some fresh cilantro and serve. Enjoy!!
    Note: Add cream once the Instant Pot is completely turned off.
    Note: For vegan, substitute cream with coconut cream or cashew paste.

STOVETOP PRESSURE COOKER NAV DHAN DAL

  • Follow the same recipe as discussed earlier. After the first whistle, reduce the heat and pressure cook for 40 minutes. Allow 10 minutes of natural pressure release.
    The rest of the recipe is the same as Instant Pot.

Notes

  1. For the no-soak option: Add rinsed lentils and beans, along with 3.5 cups of water, and PRESSURE COOK (high) for 60 minutes. The rest of the recipe is the same.
  2. How To Make Dal Vegan - skip the butter and cream in the recipe. You can use your choice of plant-based oil or vegan butter. For cream substitute coconut cream or cashew paste. Soak 8-10 cashews in warm water for cashew paste for 30 minutes. Grind to a paste, and add it at the end.
  3. The dal does thicken over some time. Add some water to adjust the consistency.
  4. Tomato paste is optional. It gives dal a nice red color.
  5. For brown rice, we like the rice well done. Ratio 1:1.25, rice: water can be used.
  6. Please refer to the post earlier for the following:
    • Tips For Delicious Nav Dhan Dal
    • Frequently Asked Questions

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Nav Dhan Dal
Amount per Serving
Calories
252
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
8
g
12
%
Saturated Fat
 
1
g
6
%
Trans Fat
 
0.03
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
5
g
Sodium
 
74
mg
3
%
Potassium
 
251
mg
7
%
Carbohydrates
 
33
g
11
%
Fiber
 
12
g
50
%
Sugar
 
3
g
3
%
Protein
 
13
g
26
%
Vitamin A
 
627
IU
13
%
Vitamin C
 
16
mg
19
%
Calcium
 
66
mg
7
%
Iron
 
5
mg
28
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.

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KEYWORD

nav dhan dal