There is nothing more comforting than a big, warm plate of dal chawal. A staple that has turned into a comfort food, dal chawal is more than just a meal—it is a warm embrace that reminds you of home. This humble combination of dal (lentils) and chawal (rice) holds a special place in the hearts and kitchens of millions of Indians, providing nourishment not just for the body but also for the soul. The simplicity and nutritive value of this superfood makes it one of the richest culinary pleasures. While it tastes just as good when eaten on its own, there are a few things you can do to take it to the next level.
Here are 7 great side dishes that can enhance the taste of your plain dal rice.
1. Papad
A thin, crispy slice made from lentil, chickpea or rice flour, papad is usually roasted or fried. Adding a pleasant crunch and delicious flavour to food, papad is a very popular addition when it comes to small snacks.
2. Pickles
These Indian pickles are preserved fruits or vegetables soaked in a mixture of spices and oil. They bring a tangy, spicy flavor that really enhances the taste of dal rice. Some popular pickles include mango, chili, and lemon.
Also read: This Kerala-style Naranga Pickle is ideal to accompany your everyday meals
3. Raita
It is a cold side dish made of yogurt mixed with vegetables or fruits like cucumber, beetroot and pineapple or boondi (small fried balls of chickpea flour). Raita helps balance the spices and provides a different texture and taste!
4. Chutney
Delicious Indian sauces made from a variety of ingredients such as mint, coriander, tamarind or coconut. Chutneys provide a refreshing, spicy or sweet flavour that complements the simplicity of dal rice and leaves your mouth bursting with flavours!
Also read: 7 Indian Chutneys That Can Be Served With A Bowl Of Rice
5. Salad
A simple salad of cucumber, tomato, onion and carrot, dressed with a little lemon juice, salt and pepper adds a crunchy twist to your dal rice. This not only gives a nice refreshing touch to the meal but also adds plenty of roughage and fibre to it, increasing the overall nutritional value.
6. Fried Snacks
Speaking of heavy meals, snacks like pakodas or bhajis, which are deep fried and crispy, provide a tasty and flavourful accompaniment to simple dal rice.
Also read: Moong Dal Pakora, Urad Dal Pakora And More: 5 Dal Pakora Recipes You Must Try
7. Stir-Fried Vegetables
Some mildly spicy vegetables like ladyfinger or potatoes when roasted or fried make the meal healthy and delicious.
Daal chawal has its fans across the country and these are some of the ways in which this culinary experience can be given a twist. So try some of these combinations now and enhance your culinary experience of this soul food!
