Lentil soup, steamed rice and spiced potato-cauliflower curry share the plate in Nepal's everyday dal bhat meal.
Separate pots bring different textures to Dal Bhat Tarkari: pourable lentils, fluffy rice and vegetables that hold their shape. Across Nepal, the accompaniments vary, but the lentil-and-rice pairing anchors the meal.
Start the lentils first and cook the rice alongside them. Cut the potatoes smaller than the cauliflower so both become tender together, then temper the lentils just before serving for the clearest cumin aroma.
Method
Put the red lentils, 3 1/2 cups water and half the turmeric in a saucepan. Simmer over low heat for until soft and pourable, stirring occasionally; add half the salt.
Combine the basmati rice with 2 1/2 cups water in another saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover and cook over low heat for , then rest off the heat for before fluffing.
Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the onion for until soft. Add potato, cauliflower, tomato, ground coriander, red pepper flakes, remaining turmeric, remaining salt and remaining 1/2 cup water.
Cover the vegetables and cook over medium-low heat for until the potatoes yield to a knife. Uncover and cook for until excess liquid evaporates; stir in half the cilantro.
Heat the remaining oil in a small pan over medium heat. Cook the cumin seeds and garlic for until fragrant and pale gold, then pour into the lentils. Serve the lentils, rice and vegetables together, topped with remaining cilantro.
Forkue tips
- The lentils should pour over the rice rather than sit in a stiff mound. Loosen them with hot water before serving if they thicken while the vegetables finish.
Storing and reheating
Refrigerate the three parts separately for up to 3 days. Reheat lentils with extra water, steam the rice covered and warm the vegetables in a skillet.
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Kitchen gear
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Photo: Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped and enhanced)
Dal Bhat Tarkari: FAQ
What does dal bhat mean?
Dal refers to lentils and bhat to cooked rice. Tarkari adds a vegetable preparation, making the plate more varied in texture and flavor.
Can I use brown lentils?
Yes, but they need longer to soften and will keep more of their shape. Start them earlier and adjust the water to keep the finished dal pourable.
How do I store and reheat Dal Bhat Tarkari?
Refrigerate the three parts separately for up to 3 days. Reheat lentils with extra water, steam the rice covered and warm the vegetables in a skillet.
How long does Dal Bhat Tarkari take?
About 1 hr in total: 20 min prep and 40 min cooking.
What do I need to make Dal Bhat Tarkari?
The key ingredients are red lentils, basmati rice, cumin seeds, garlic, turmeric and potato, plus pantry basics.
Any tips for Dal Bhat Tarkari?
The lentils should pour over the rice rather than sit in a stiff mound. Loosen them with hot water before serving if they thicken while the vegetables finish.
