By Garima Johar
May 5, 2026
Featuring a light yet wholesome meal, Gujarati dal bhaat is a comfort food for a reason. Made with lentils and rice, aka bhaat, it is healthy, gut-friendly, and will take care of you for days when you’re homesick.
For The Dal: ½ cup toor dal 1 tablespoon peanuts 1-2 cups water ¼ cup chopped tomato 1 green chilli ½ teaspoon ginger paste 1 tablespoon jaggery 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder ½ teaspoon red chilli powder ½ teaspoon coriander powder ¼ teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon vegetable oil 1 bay leaf Pinch of hing Salt to taste
For The Bhaat: 1 cup rice 1.5 cups water 1 teaspoon ghee Salt to taste
Rinse the dal, add peanuts and water, and cook for 6-7 whistles in a pressure cooker.
Heat some oil in a pan, add hing, bay leaf, cumin seeds, ginger paste, and green chilli and saute.
Add chopped tomatoes and cook till soft. Stir in turmeric, red chilli, coriander powder, and salt.
Pour in cooked dal. Add jaggery and lemon juice, then simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
Rinse the rice, add oil, water, and salt, and cook till the rice is fluffy.
Garnish dal and bhaat with chopped coriander leaves and serve.