How to Cook Dal Bhat Like Back Home – Nepali Food Guide

Introduction

There’s nothing more comforting than a warm plate of Dal Bhat—a staple in every Nepali household. If you’re in the UK and missing that authentic home-cooked taste, this guide is for you. At 977Grocery.com, we not only deliver all the essential ingredients for Dal Bhat across the UK, but we’re also here to help you cook it just like back home.

What is Dal Bhat?

Dal Bhat is a traditional Nepali meal that includes steamed rice (bhat), lentil soup (dal), seasonal vegetables (tarkari), and often pickles (achar) and greens (saag). It’s simple, healthy, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You can find all of these at 977Grocery.com:

• Jeera Masino or Basmati Rice
• Masoor Dal or Mung Dal
• Turmeric, Jwano (carom seeds), and Timur (Sichuan pepper)
• Fresh vegetables (e.g., potatoes, cauliflower, spinach)
• Garlic, ginger, green chili
• Oil or ghee
• Salt to taste

Step-by-Step: How to Cook Dal Bhat

1. Cooking the Dal (Lentil Soup)

1. Wash 1 cup of Masoor dal thoroughly and boil with 3 cups of water.
2. Add turmeric, a pinch of salt, and a few drops of oil.
3. Let it simmer for 20–25 minutes or until soft.
4. In a separate pan, heat oil, and sauté chopped garlic, ginger, and jwano. Pour this tadka into the dal for extra aroma.

2. Making the Bhat (Rice)

1. Wash 1.5 cups of Jeera Masino rice until water runs clear.
2. Cook in a rice cooker or pot with about 2.5 cups of water.
3. Fluff with a fork once cooked.

3. Tarkari (Vegetable Curry)

1. Chop seasonal veggies like potatoes, cauliflower, or carrots.
2. In a pan, heat oil and add cumin seeds, garlic, and green chili.
3. Add veggies, turmeric, salt, and a splash of water. Cook covered until soft.

4. Saag (Spinach or Mustard Greens)

1. Clean and chop fresh spinach or mustard greens.
2. Sauté in a pan with garlic, salt, and a pinch of Timur for a nostalgic flavor.

5. Achar (Pickle)

No Dal Bhat is complete without achar! You can buy readymade Nepali pickles online or make your own with tomato, sesame seeds, and Timur.

Serving Dal Bhat – The Nepali Way

Serve rice in the middle of the plate, pour dal on top, and arrange tarkari, saag, and achar on the sides. Add a spoon of ghee if desired. For an extra authentic experience, eat by hand (right hand only, of course!).

Bonus Tip: Pair it with Gundruk Achar

If you want to take things to the next level, try Gundruk ko achar on the side. You can find fresh Gundruk in our online store.

Conclusion

With the right ingredients and a little love, you can recreate the comforting flavors of home right here in the UK. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with family, Dal Bhat is more than food—it’s a connection to your Nepali roots.

Shop now at 977Grocery.com and bring home to your kitchen!