- August 13, 2025
Gujarati Dal Recipe – Sweet, Tangy, and Comforting
If there is one dish that captures the essence of a Gujarati thali, it is the Gujarati Dal Recipe. Unlike the regular dals of North India, this dish has a unique balance of flavors – a little sweet from jaggery, tangy from kokum or lemon, mildly spiced with green chilies and ginger, and rich with the aroma of a proper tadka. This dal is not just food; it’s comfort in a bowl, often paired with steaming hot rice or rotis, making every Gujarati household feel like home.
we will explore how to make an easy Gujarati dal recipe step by step, understand its cultural roots, and also answer common questions about variations such as no onion garlic Gujarati dal, Jain Gujarati dal recipe, Gujarati dal with kokum recipe, and many more. By the end, you’ll be ready to prepare this dish in your kitchen effortlessly.
What is Gujarati Dal?
Gujarati dal is a sweet sour dal recipe made primarily from toor dal (split pigeon peas). What sets it apart from other Indian dals is the addition of jaggery (gur) and kokum (or tamarind), which give it a unique balance of flavors. It is light yet wholesome, often forming the star of the plate in a traditional Gujarati meal.
Some people enjoy it as a Gujarati dal for lunch recipe, paired with steamed rice (dal-chawal), while others serve it alongside rotis, theplas, or even dhokla. The versatility of this dish makes it a staple in Gujarati kitchens.
Ingredients for Gujarati Dal Recipe
To make a simple Gujarati dal recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
For Dal
1 cup toor dal (pigeon peas)
2 ½ cups water (for cooking dal)
1 tbsp peanuts (optional, but traditional – you can also try Gujarati dal without peanuts recipe)
2 kokum pieces (or 1 tbsp tamarind pulp – substitute for Gujarati dal with kokum recipe)
1 medium tomato, chopped (Gujarati dal with jaggery and tomatoes)
1 tbsp jaggery (adjust to taste)
Salt to taste
For Tempering (Tadka)
2 tbsp ghee or oil
½ tsp mustard seeds
½ tsp cumin seeds
Pinch of hing (asafoetida)
1–2 dried red chilies
7–8 curry leaves
1–2 green chilies, slit
1-inch ginger, grated
½ tsp turmeric powder
½ tsp red chili powder
½ tsp coriander powder
Garnish
Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
Lemon wedge (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the Dal
Wash the toor dal thoroughly and soak it for 15–20 minutes. Transfer it to a pressure cooker with water, turmeric, and peanuts. Cook for 3–4 whistles until soft. If you are trying a Gujarati dal in pressure cooker simple method, this is the quickest way. You can also make a quick Gujarati dal for beginners using an Instant Pot.
Step 2 – Mash and Mix
Once cooked, mash the dal well until smooth. Add more water to get a medium consistency. This dish is not thick like Punjabi dal but slightly thinner, perfect to mix with rice.
Step 3 – Add Flavors
To the dal, add chopped tomatoes, kokum (or tamarind pulp), jaggery, and salt. Simmer for 7–8 minutes until the flavors blend well. This makes it a healthy Gujarati dal recipe as it combines protein-rich dal with natural jaggery and tangy kokum.
Step 4 – Prepare the Tadka
In a small pan, heat ghee or oil. Add mustard seeds, let them splutter, then add cumin seeds, hing, curry leaves, dried red chilies, and green chilies. Add ginger, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Pour this aromatic Gujarati dal tadka with peanuts directly into the simmering dal. The sizzling sound and fragrance make this step truly special.
Step 5 – Serve
Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot with steamed rice or roti. This can be your Gujarati dal for lunch recipe or even a light dinner.
Variations of Gujarati Dal
Gujarati cuisine is diverse, and so is its dal. Here are some popular versions:
Easy Gujarati Dal Recipe – A straightforward version with minimum spices and quick cooking method.
Simple Gujarati Dal Recipe – Home-style, no-frills dal made daily in Gujarati households.
Gujarati Dal Without Peanuts Recipe – Perfect for those who are allergic or want a lighter dal.
No Onion Garlic Gujarati Dal – Ideal for religious fasting or Jain households.
Jain Gujarati Dal Recipe – Excludes onion, garlic, and sometimes even tomatoes.
Gujarati Dal With Kokum Recipe – A tangy version using kokum, common in coastal Gujarat.
Gujarati Dal With Jaggery and Tomatoes – A slightly richer variation, balancing sweet and tangy.
Gujarati Sweet Sour Dal Recipe – The classic version everyone loves with balanced flavors.
Gluten Free Gujarati Dal Recipe – Naturally gluten-free, suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Gujarati Dal Tadka With Peanuts – Adds crunch and depth, common in festive cooking.
Dal Tadka Recipe,Punjabi Dhaba Dal Recipe,Sookhi Moong Dal Recipe,Toor Dal Fry Recipe,Methi Moong Dal Recipe
Why is Gujarati Dal Unique?
Sweetness of Jaggery – No other regional dal commonly uses sweetener.
Tanginess of Kokum/Tamarind – Adds a coastal twist.
Light Consistency – Unlike thick dals, this one is meant to be sipped like a soup.
Wholesome Nutrition – A healthy Gujarati dal recipe is protein-packed, gluten-free, and easy to digest.
Nutritional Value (Per Serving – approx.)
Calories: 160 kcal
Protein: 7 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fat: 4 g
Fiber: 6 g
Rich in: Iron, Folate, Potassium, Magnesium
This makes it not just delicious but also a gluten free Gujarati dal recipe that fits modern dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions
With steamed rice (classic dal-chawal).
Alongside rotis, theplas, or bhakri.
As part of a Gujarati thali with shaak (sabzi), farsan, roti, and sweet.
With steamed millet (bajra or jowar), especially in rural Gujarat.
Chef Tips
Add jaggery gradually to adjust sweetness.
Use kokum for authenticity but tamarind works as well.
For a quick Gujarati dal for beginners, skip peanuts and lengthy boiling—just pressure cook and temper.
Make it ahead; it tastes even better the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I make Gujarati dal without jaggery?
Yes, but the signature Gujarati sweet sour dal recipe relies on jaggery for sweetness.
Q2. How to make Gujarati dal in an Instant Pot?
Follow the same recipe as Gujarati dal in pressure cooker simple, just use “Dal mode” in the Instant Pot.
Q3. Is Gujarati dal gluten free?
Yes! It’s naturally a gluten free Gujarati dal recipe unless you add hing containing wheat (opt for gluten-free hing).
Q4. Can Jains eat Gujarati dal?
Yes, the Jain Gujarati dal recipe excludes onion, garlic, and sometimes tomato.
Q5. What is the best side dish for Gujarati dal?
Steamed rice, plain roti, or even khichdi.
Interesting Facts
The Gujarati dal recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a cultural legacy passed down through generations. Whether you are trying an easy Gujarati dal recipe for your first attempt, exploring the Gujarati dal with kokum recipe, or sticking to a no onion garlic Gujarati dal, you’ll find comfort in every bite. Its sweet, tangy, and spicy balance makes it one of the most loved dals across India.
So, the next time you crave something light yet flavorful, try this Gujarati dal for lunch recipe and experience the warmth of Gujarat on your plate.
Dal Tadka Recipe,Punjabi Dhaba Dal Recipe,Sookhi Moong Dal Recipe,Toor Dal Fry Recipe,Methi Moong Dal Recipe
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