Latest news with #JholMomos
NDTV
15-05-2025
- General
- NDTV
Nepalese Dal Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide To This Ultimate Comfort Food
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the simplicity and warmth of dal-chawal. It is the kind of meal you crave when you are sick, homesick, or just soul-tired. It is what you eat when you don't want to think too hard but want to feel held. Steaming rice, comforting dal, maybe with a side of pickle or papad, or perhaps nothing at all - dal-chawal is the meal that can never go wrong. What is more fascinating is the fact that this comfort food is a staple not just in India, but in most parts of South Asia. Each region has its unique take on the dish, modified to suit the local palate. Nepalese dal is one such instance. Also Read: Jhol Momos, Thukpa And More: 6 Nepalese Recipes That Will Make You Drool The Heart Of Nepalese Cuisine In Nepal, dal is not just a part of the meal - it is the meal. A staple in almost every household, eaten daily and prepared with reverence, it is one half of the iconic " dal bhat", a national dish that might sound modest but is brimming with texture and flavour. What Makes Nepalese Dal Unique? Nepalese dal has its own quiet rhythm, deeply local character, and a subtle, smoky depth that feels like it came straight from a wood-fired kitchen in the hills. In most Nepali homes, dal is not just cooked; it is built with patience. It starts early in the day or the night before, with soaking the dal. Whether it is masoor (red lentils), moong (yellow lentils), or the nuttier kalo dal (black lentils), each brings its unique character to the pot. The dal is then slow-cooked for a velvety texture, followed by a tadka of garlic, cumin, turmeric, and a few other spices. Sometimes, finely chopped onions are added; sometimes, tomatoes take centre stage. There are times when ginger is used for an extra layer of flavour in the dish. Essentially, the Nepalese dal recipe is endlessly adaptable, with the soul remaining the same. Also Read: Chukauni: The Refreshing Nepali Potato Yogurt Dish That Is Perfect For Summer Photo Credit: iStock Nepalese Dal Recipe: How To Make This Soul Food At Home Ingredients: 1 cup black lentils 2 bay leaves 1 medium-sized onion, chopped (optional) 1 tomato, chopped (optional) 5-6 cloves of garlic, chopped 2 whole red chillies 1 tsp cumin seeds A pinch of hing (asafoetida) Salt, to taste 1 tsp turmeric powder Water, as needed 1 tsp mustard oil 1 tbsp ghee Method: Wash and soak the dal overnight. Next morning, pressure cook the dal with some salt, turmeric powder, and bay leaves. Heat a pan, add mustard oil, followed by cumin, hing, and red chillies. Let the spices splutter. Add onion, tomato, and garlic and fry until the raw aroma of garlic dissipates. Add the dal and simmer for 10 minutes. Finish it off by drizzling ghee on top. What Goes Best with Nepalese Dal? The obvious answer is a bowl of steaming rice. Along with that, you can also serve some saag, vegetables, papad, pickle, dahi, and meat to make for a traditional Thakali (Nepali) thali. Nepalese dal is more than just a dish. It is a culinary experience that brings the rich flavours and traditions of Nepal right to your table. It does not demand attention, but once you have had it, it never really leaves you. So, the next time you crave something grounding, nourishing, and flavourful, consider Nepalese dal with some rice for a soulful meal. Advertisement Comments About Somdatta Saha Explorer- this is what Somdatta likes to call herself. Be it in terms of food, people or places, all she craves for is to know the unknown. A simple aglio olio pasta or daal-chawal and a good movie can make her day. For the latest food news, health tips and recipes, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and YouTube. Tags: Dal Bhaat Nepalese Dal Nepalese Cuisine Show full article Comments
FACT
03-04-2025
- Business
- FACT
Daftar Review: A Dubai dining experience worth the deadline rush
This nostalgic new Indian restaurant in DIFC offers a welcome break from the workday grind. Dubai is home to some of the world's best Indian restaurants, from homegrown concepts to MICHELIN-starred venues like Avatara to Trèsind Studio. Now, the city has welcomed the new Indian restaurant, Daftar, to Al Fattan Currency House in DIFC. Daftar — which translates to office — finds a quiet home on the mezzanine floor, promising Indian cuisine that is simple yet elevated, making it the perfect lunch spot for finance bros or those looking to escape their desk for a solid meal steeped in nostalgia. Desk goals As you step inside, you're greeted at the front desk with a sleek marble tabletop adorned with antique decor, reminiscent of old South Asian homes. Think vintage telephone (yes, the kind where you dial an actual number), instantly setting a retro yet modern tone. Venturing further, Daftar is thoughtfully divided into several dining areas. First up is the Sip-and-Nibble Section, an ideal spot for post-work drinks and small bites and to its left is the Executive Chamber, a private dining area that can accommodate up to 25 people for intimate gatherings. The People and Culture Hub is the main dining space with a balcony-style seating area, providing a semi-open-air feel. Minimalist yet warm, the decor leans on a beige, brown and green palette. Plush booths and cosy seating make it an inviting space, while a dedicated entertainment area hints at upcoming live music and comedy nights. A wall paying homage to the true daftar-aesthetic features treasures like old cameras, barometers, typewriters, and newspaper clippings, adding to the restaurant's charm. Mixing business with pleasure Daftar's menu delivers on its promise of elevated Indian cuisine, with several serious flavour bombs. We kicked things off with the Himalayan Jhol Momos. These steamed dumplings arrived in a pink-yellow, creamy curry infused with roasted garlic. The vegetable filling was finely chopped to maximise flavour, while the nutty sauce and crispy garlic bits added the perfect crunch. One bite, and we were hooked. Next up, the Makhmali Dahi Kabab were golden-crusted bites that oozed with soft, spiced yoghurt. Served in a ceramic egg tray alongside mint chutney and pineapple sauce, these were a perfect balance of creamy and crunchy. Then came the Tawa Lamb Chops. Marinated and coated in rich spices, the chops were grilled to perfection — tender, juicy, and soaked in a smoky flavour. The sauce clung beautifully to the meat, ensuring each bite was prepared to tingle the taste buds. For mains, the Chingri Daab Curry was flavoursome. This Bengali-style prawn curry arrived inside a raw coconut, sealed with dough and baked to lock in all the flavours. The coconut-infused curry was rich, slightly sweet, and spicy in the best way possible, with juicy prawns soaking up all the fantastic flavours. The Nalli Nihari was another dish we couldn't resist ordering. This slow-cooked lamb shank featured a rich gravy that was mildly spiced. While we usually enjoy nihari with a bolder spice profile, this version had a well-balanced, subtle richness that would appeal to those who prefer a milder take. The gravy leaned towards a thinner consistency compared to the traditional thick nihari, but it still carried the traditional flavours we expected. For dessert, the Kesari Moong Dal Halwa hit all the right notes. Made in pure desi ghee, the halwa had a delicate sweetness, loaded with almonds, pistachios, and edible flowers for extra flair. The contrast of soft, warm halwa with crunchy nuts resulted in a match-made-in-heaven moment. The Rabri Jalebi was yet another winner. Good rabri is rare to find in Dubai, but Daftar does it justice. Thick, creamy and mildly sweet, it paired beautifully with freshly fried jalebis that were crispy, syrupy and addictive. We ordered another round! Clock in for this All in all, Daftar is a solid addition to DIFC's dining scene. It's a superb spot for a meal without the usual chaos — quiet enough to offer a real break from work but lively enough to keep things interesting. Don't miss the Himalayan Jhol Momos, Makhmali Dahi Kabab, and Rabri Jalebi. You'll leave happy and prepared to plan your next visit. GO: Visit for more information.
