Nepali Dal Bhat

A typical Nepali Meal: Dal Bhat
Dal (Lentil Soup)
Bhat (Rice)
Aloo Cauli (Curried Potatoes and Cauliflower)
Additional: Tomato Achar - this is like a spicy chutney that you add in to make you meal more flavorful and as spicy as you would like


Basmati Rice / or any white rice will do
2 cups rice
3 cups water

Rice Preparation
Cook per package instructions


Lentils (Dal):
4 tbsp olive oil
1 cup yellow or brown lentils
4 to 5 cups water (depending on consistency preference)
1 cup chopped onions
2 red dried chilis
1/2 cup chopped tomato
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp chili powder
curry powder to taste
salt to taste

Preparation for Dal
- Wash lentils by soaking for 10 minutes
- Drain lentils and bring to a boil in 4-5 cups water
- Add all spices (salt, turmeric, chili powder)
- Reduce heat and simmer (covered) for 20-30 minutes until lentils resemble the consistency of a porridge
- Stir fry the onions, tomato in separate pan
- Stir onions and tomato into lentils a few minutes before they’re done.

Aloo Cauli
2 cups cauliflower
3 small yellow potatoes
2 -3 red chili peppers
1 medium yellow onion
1 tsp tumeric
1 tsp chili powder
1 1/2 tsp curry powder
1 or 2 small tomatoes
(Not traditional but I added sweet potato as well)

Preparation for Aloo Cauli
- Heat the oil and stir fry onion and chili until golden brown
- Add cauliflower, potato and salt (to taste)
- Lower heat and cover for 5 minutes
- Add 1 tbs chili powder, 1 tbs turmeric and 2 tbs curry powder
- Stir fry until fully cooked (20 minutes)
- Add in diced fresh tomato


Tomato Achar

Ingredients
2 cups roasted tomatoes, peeled, and chopped
1 cup roasted red pepper, chopped
3 fresh red chilies, minced
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Salt to taste

Preparation for Tomato Achar
Either place all ingredients on stove top and let simmer together or chuck it In a blender to form smooth paste-like mixture (can be made chunkier, if desired). Transfer into a large bowl. Let it refrigerate if possible for 2 hours before serving.


To Serve:
Place a heaping size of rice(bhat)  on your plate.  Pour lentil soup (dal) over the rice.  Place curried veggies on the side and add tomato achar to taste.  If you want to eat it like a traditional Nepali, mix all together with right hand and proceed to eat the meal with your right hand! After all of those times Mom told you not to play with your food, now it’s kosher!