Dal bhat facts for kids
Dal bhat thali set
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| Alternative names | Dal chawal Dhal bhaat |
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| Course | Meal |
| Place of origin | Indian subcontinent |
| Region or state | Indian subcontinent |
| Associated national cuisine | India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, Jamaica, Mauritius, Fiji |
| Main ingredients | Rice, vegetable, lentils, chutney or achar |
Dal bhat (Nepali: दालभात, Urdu: دال بھات, Bengali: ডাল ভাত, Gujarati: દાળ ભાત, Marathi: डाळ भात, Assamese: দাইল ভাত dail bhat / ডালি ভাত dali bhat) is a very popular and traditional meal from the Indian subcontinent. It is a main food in countries like Nepal, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. This simple yet tasty dish is made of steamed rice and a cooked stew of lentils or other pulses, which is called dal.
Contents
What is Dal Bhat?
Dal bhat is a basic meal for many people in South Asia. The word bhat or chawal means "boiled rice" in many languages of the region. Dal is a thick soup or stew made from lentils. Together, they form a balanced and filling meal.
The Rice Part (Bhat)
The "bhat" part of the meal is usually plain steamed rice. It is soft and fluffy. In some parts of Nepal, especially in high mountains where rice does not grow well, people use other grains. They might use maize, buckwheat, barley, or millet. These grains are cooked in a special way, sometimes called dhindo or atho. Sometimes, bhat is also eaten with roti, which is a type of flatbread.
The Lentil Part (Dal)
The "dal" is a stew made from lentils or beans. It is cooked with many different ingredients to give it flavor. Cooks often add onion, garlic, ginger, chili, or tomatoes. They also use a mix of special herbs and spices. Common spices include coriander, garam masala, cumin, and turmeric. The exact recipe for dal can change a lot. It depends on the season, where you are, and what the family likes.
What Comes with Dal Bhat?
Dal bhat is often served with other tasty side dishes. These additions make the meal even more delicious and complete.
Vegetable Dishes (Tarkari)
A common side dish is tarkari (called तरकारी in Nepali and Bengali). This is a mix of fresh, seasonal vegetables that are cooked. It is often called dal bhat tarkari because these three parts usually go together. The vegetables add important vitamins and different textures to the meal.
Pickles and More (Achar)
Sometimes, a small amount of pickle is added to the meal. This pickle is called achar or loncha. Pickles are usually spicy or sour and add a strong flavor. In some areas, like Bengal (which includes West Bengal in India and Bangladesh), people might also eat machh bhaja (মাছ ভাজা). This is fried fish, which is a popular addition to dal bhat.
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Nepalese-style dal bhat
See also
In Spanish: Dal bhat para niños
