Low-Fat Dal Recipe

Low-Fat Dal is a simple, nutritious, and satisfying dish made with minimal oil and spices. This recipe focuses on the natural flavors of lentils, providing a wholesome meal that’s both light and nourishing. For the Hare Krishna community, Low-Fat Dal is more than just a dish—it is a sacred offering prepared with love and devotion. This recipe aligns with dietary principles that exclude onions and garlic, making it suitable for prasadam (sanctified food offered to Krishna).

Low-Fat Dal Recipe garnished with fresh coriander leaves.
A bowl of Low-Fat Dal, ready to offer to Krishna.

This post explores the significance, ingredients, preparation, and spiritual essence of Hare Krishna Low-Fat Dal.

The Essence of Hare Krishna Low-Fat Dal

Hare Krishna Low-Fat Dal is a comforting and nourishing dish that highlights the simplicity and natural flavor of lentils. This dal is perfect for those who prefer a light yet satisfying meal.

Ingredients and Their Spiritual Significance

Each ingredient in Hare Krishna Low-Fat Dal is chosen not only for its flavor but also for its health benefits and spiritual symbolism:

  • Lentils: Symbolize nourishment and the sustenance provided by Krishna.
  • Spices: Represent the subtle complexities of spiritual life, enhancing the experience.

How to Make Low-Fat Dal

Now that you know the significance of the ingredients, you’re ready to make this nourishing dal.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup yellow moong dal (split yellow lentils)
  • 3 cups water
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 green chili, slit (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook Dal: Rinse the moong dal thoroughly and add it to a pressure cooker with 3 cups of water and turmeric powder. Cook for 3-4 whistles or until the dal is soft and fully cooked.
  2. Temper Spices: In a small pan, heat 1 teaspoon of oil. Add cumin seeds, grated ginger, and green chili. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
  3. Combine and Simmer: Pour the tempered spices over the cooked dal, add salt, and stir well. Simmer the dal for 5 minutes on low heat.
  4. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or chapati. Enjoy your nourishing Low-Fat Dal!

The Spiritual Practice of Making Low-Fat Dal

For the Hare Krishna community, the act of cooking and preparing food is deeply spiritual. Every ingredient is treated with respect and reverence, and the food is prepared with the intention of offering it to Krishna. The use of simple, pure ingredients in Low-Fat Dal ensures that it is suitable for offering as prasadam.

When preparing Low-Fat Dal, devotees often chant the Hare Krishna mantra or other devotional prayers. This practice helps in focusing the mind on Krishna and ensures that the food being prepared is imbued with spiritual vibrations. The resulting Low-Fat Dal, when added to prasadam, enhances not only its comforting qualities but also its spiritual potency.

Last Bite

Hare Krishna Low-Fat Dal is a light and nourishing dish that holds a special place in Hare Krishna cuisine. Its simple preparation and wholesome ingredients make it a satisfying and healthy choice. For the Hare Krishna community, Low-Fat Dal is more than just a dish—it is a way to express devotion and love for Krishna through food. By preparing and using Low-Fat Dal with mindfulness and devotion, devotees can transform ordinary meals into sanctified offerings that nourish both the body and the soul.

Print

Low-Fat Dal Recipe

Hare Krishna Low-Fat Dal is a simple and nutritious dish perfect for any meal. This easy-to-make dal combines yellow lentils with minimal oil and spices to create a comforting and wholesome dish.

  • Author: Chandra-Vadana Chaitanya das
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Low-Fat
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup yellow moong dal (split yellow lentils)
  • 3 cups water
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 green chili, slit (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook Dal: Rinse the moong dal thoroughly and add it to a pressure cooker with 3 cups of water and turmeric powder. Cook for 3-4 whistles or until the dal is soft and fully cooked.
  2. Temper Spices: In a small pan, heat 1 teaspoon of oil. Add cumin seeds, grated ginger, and green chili. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
  3. Combine and Simmer: Pour the tempered spices over the cooked dal, add salt, and stir well. Simmer the dal for 5 minutes on low heat.
  4. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or chapati. Enjoy your nourishing Low-Fat Dal!

Notes

  • Dal Variety: Feel free to use other types of lentils, such as red lentils or toor dal, for a different flavor profile.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili to your preference for a milder or spicier dal.
  • Serving Suggestion: Serve this dal with steamed rice or chapati for a complete meal.
  • Storage Tip: Store any leftover dal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 2g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Hare Krishna Maha Mantra