Your Privacy is Important to us

We encourage you to review our Terms of Service, and Privacy Policy.

By continuing, you agree to the Terms listed here. In case you want to opt out, please click "Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information" link in the footer of this page.

Opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information

We won't sell or share your personal information to inform the ads you see. You may still see interest-based ads if your information is sold or shared by other companies or was sold or shared previously.

Continue on TOI App
Open App
Login for better experience!
Login Now
Welcome! to timesofindia.com
TOI INDTOI USTOI GCC
TOI+
  • Home
  • Live
  • TOI Games
  • Top Headlines
  • India
  • City News
  • Photos
  • Business
  • Real Estate
  • Entertainment
  • Movie Reviews
  • Lifestyle
  • Podcasts
  • Elections
  • Web Series
  • Sports
  • TV
  • Food
  • Travel
  • Events
  • World
  • Music
  • Astrology
  • Videos
  • Tech
  • Auto
  • Education
  • Log Out
Follow Us On
Open App
  • ETIMES
  • CINEMA
  • VIDEOS
  • TV
  • LIFESTYLE
  • VISUAL STORIES
  • MUSIC
  • TRAVEL
  • FOOD
  • TRENDING
  • EVENTS
  • THEATRE
  • PHOTOS
  • MOVIE REVIEWS
  • MOVIE LISTINGS
  • HEALTH
  • RELATIONSHIP
  • WEB SERIES
  • BOX OFFICE

​5 simple tips to make perfect dal every time​

ETimes.in | Last updated on - May 29, 2025, 16:43 IST
Comments
Share
1/6

5 simple tips to make perfect dal every time


There’s no denying that cooking that perfect dal every time may seem like a tough task even for someone who is a pro at cooking. This is because lentils contain both nutrients and antinutrients, and this is why understanding the art of cooking that perfect dal becomes important. Well, if you too want to achieve that perfect taste and texture, then follow us through these simple tips that are great for perfecting the art of making dal every time.

2/6

Choose the right type of dal

The art of making perfect dal each time depends on the type of lentil you are using. This is because every dal has a different taste, flavour and texture, which also depends on the nutrients and different cooking times based on the recipe of dal. For instance, moong dal is light and takes less time to cook, but on the contrary, chana dal has a nutty texture and taste, which is why it takes more time to cook.


3/6

Soak the dal before cooking

Soaking dals for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking softens them and reduces cooking time. This is especially important for harder dals like chana dal or rajma. Soaking also improves digestibility and helps in breaking down complex starches, making the dal easier on the stomach.

4/6

Pressure cook


Always use a pressure cooker, as it is the easiest trick to cook perfect dal. Also, it depends on the right utensil. In fact, the secret tip is to cook healthy dal every day, and to make a healthy, well-cooked dal quickly, a pressure cooker or pot can instantly make the dal in a perfect homestyle way!

5/6

Add salt after the dal is cooked

Adding salt while the dal is boiling can sometimes make the lentils tougher and increase cooking time. For best results, add salt after the dal is fully cooked. This helps achieve a creamier consistency and avoids undercooked lentils.

6/6

Tempering is the key

The best way to give an interesting twist to any dal recipe is by adding a tadka, which can instantly amp up the taste and experience of the dal. From using spices to herbs like mustard seeds, red chilies, garlic, ginger or curry leaves, tempering can instantly amp up the taste and texture of the dal.



Can’t eat your food without snapping a picture first?

Join our Food Photography Contest and stand a chance to win exciting prizes!

Click HERE for details.

Join our WhatsApp Food Community to discover delicious recipes, enjoy fascinating food stories, and stay updated with the latest food news! Click here



Start a Conversation

Post comment
Featured In lifestyle
  • Thought of the day, inspired by Bhagavad Gita: Discipline today creates peace tomorrow
  • Academic burnout in children: 7 early signs parents should never ignore and how to help
  • The body check: Why your eyes keep twitching and what your nervous system may be trying to tell you
  • Want toned arms without spending hours in the gym? Anant Ambani’s fitness coach says this Tabata workout may help
  • “I was afraid to die alone”: Why a Shanghai grandpa gave away his Rupees 1.4 Crore flat to a stranger who showed him kindness
  • 5 snake parks in India where travellers can spot rare and venomous species and how to reach them
  • Quote of the day by Chinese philosopher Confucius: “The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life.”
  • Which river is known as the “River of Blood” in India: The fascinating story behind its name
  • Japandi vs Scandinavian interiors: Which suits Indian homes better?
Photostories
  • Ratan Tata's quotes on success, failure, and kindness that people still live by
  • The body check: Why your eyes keep twitching and what your nervous system may be trying to tell you
  • How to make high-protein Besan Pyaz Ka Paratha for summer breakfast
  • What Steve Jobs did when he needed his best ideas: The simple habit he shared with some of history’s greatest thinkers
  • Iconic pictures from Jr NTR’s life as the ‘Dragon’ star celebrates his 43rd birthday; click with Aamir Khan, Mohanlal
  • Thought of the day, inspired by Bhagavad Gita: Discipline today creates peace tomorrow
  • 5 weird ancient beauty trends that sound unbelievable today
  • Graduation season 2026: Angelina Jolie’s daughter to Reese Witherspoon’s son, celebrity kids who got their degrees this year
  • 10 baby boy names that mean Sun in different languages
Explore more Stories
  • 9
    8 iconic foods born out of necessity that became global favorites
  • 6
    5 weekend getaways from Delhi under 500 km to escape the June heat
  • 11
    10 countries with the highest snake populations and what travellers must know before visiting
  • 11
    From snake fruit to jabuticaba; 10 unique fruit trees around the world and where travellers can find them
  • 6
    Ratan Tata's quotes on success, failure, and kindness that people still live by
Up Next
  • ETimes
  • /
  • Life & Style
  • /
  • Food News
  • /
  • ​5 simple tips to make perfect dal every time​
About UsTerms Of UsePrivacy PolicyCookie Policy

Copyright © May 20, 2026, 09.32AM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service