If you're looking for a delicious and nutritious meal, look no further than 1 package (12 oz) Vegetarian Dal Makhani! With only 370 calories per serving, this dish is a great choice for anyone trying to maintain a healthy diet. Rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins, it's also a tasty way to fuel your body with the nutrients it needs.
Made with a blend of lentils, spices, and other natural ingredients, Vegetarian Dal Makhani is a wholesome dish that's easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Each serving contains an impressive 19 grams of protein, along with 8 grams of fiber and 10% of your daily value of iron. Plus, it's low in fat and free from artificial preservatives, making it a great option for anyone trying to live a healthier lifestyle.
Whether you're trying to lose weight, improve your overall health, or simply want to enjoy a delicious meal, Vegetarian Dal Makhani is sure to satisfy. In this article, we'll take a closer look at this popular dish, exploring its ingredients, health benefits, and more. So let's dig in!
Calories per serving
Each serving of Vegetarian Dal Makhani contains 370 calories. While this may seem a bit high for some people, it's important to keep in mind that this dish also provides a variety of important nutrients, including protein, fiber, and iron. In fact, many health experts agree that it's the overall quality of your diet, rather than just the number of calories you consume, that matters most when it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. So don't be afraid to indulge in this delicious dish!
Ingredients
Vegetarian Dal Makhani is made using a variety of natural, plant-based ingredients. Some of the key ingredients include:
- Black lentils
- Red kidney beans
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Spices (including cumin, coriander, garam masala, and turmeric)
- Butter or ghee (clarified butter)
- Heavy cream
These ingredients work together to create a rich, complex flavor that's both hearty and satisfying. Plus, they provide a range of important nutrients, including fiber, protein, and vitamins.
Serving size
One package of Vegetarian Dal Makhani contains approximately 3 servings, each of which is 12 oz (340 g) in size. This makes it a great option for families or for meal prep, as you can easily store any leftovers in the fridge or freezer for later use. Just be sure to adjust your portion size accordingly if you're trying to stick to a specific calorie or nutrient target.
Preparation method
While there are many different ways to prepare Vegetarian Dal Makhani, here's a simple recipe you can follow at home:
- Soak 1 cup of black lentils and 1/2 cup of red kidney beans in water for at least 6 hours, then drain and rinse.
- In a large pot or pressure cooker, heat 1 tbsp of butter or ghee and sauté 1 chopped onion, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 1 inch of minced ginger until fragrant.
- Add 2 chopped tomatoes, 1 tsp of cumin powder, 1 tsp of coriander powder, 1 tsp of garam masala, and 1/2 tsp of turmeric powder, and cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes are softened.
- Add the soaked lentils and beans, along with 4 cups of water and a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil.
- If using a pressure cooker, cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then allow the pressure to release naturally. If cooking on the stovetop, simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the lentils and beans are tender.
- Add 1/4 cup of heavy cream and cook for a few more minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.
Note that this recipe can easily be adjusted to suit your tastes or dietary restrictions. For example, you can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream to make it vegan, or add more or less spice depending on your preference.
Health benefits
Vegetarian Dal Makhani is a nutritious dish that offers a range of health benefits. Some of the key benefits include:
- High in protein: Lentils and beans are excellent sources of plant-based protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
- Rich in fiber: These ingredients are also high in fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion, reduce cholesterol levels, and stabilize blood sugar.
- Good source of iron: Thanks to the beans and lentils, Vegetarian Dal Makhani is also a good source of iron, which is essential for healthy blood and energy levels.
- Packed with vitamins and minerals: This dish contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium.
Overall, Vegetarian Dal Makhani is a great choice for anyone looking to nourish their body with wholesome, nutrient-dense foods.
Vegetarian Dal Makhani contains several common allergens, including dairy (in the form of butter or cream) and legumes (lentils and kidney beans). If you have a dairy or legume allergy, you should avoid this dish or make appropriate substitutions.
Vegetarian-friendly
As the name suggests, Vegetarian Dal Makhani is a vegetarian dish that's free from any meat or animal products. This makes it a great option for vegetarians or anyone looking to reduce their meat consumption.
Ideal for weight loss
Despite its relatively high calorie content, Vegetarian Dal Makhani can still be a great choice for anyone looking to lose weight. Because it's high in protein and fiber, it can help keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer, which may reduce your overall calorie intake. Plus, it's free from added preservatives and other artificial ingredients, making it a wholesome option for anyone trying to eat a more balanced diet.
No added preservatives
Unlike many packaged foods, Vegetarian Dal Makhani is free from any added preservatives or artificial ingredients. This makes it a great option for anyone trying to eat a more natural, whole foods-based diet.
Suitable for all age groups
Whether you're a child, adult, or senior, Vegetarian Dal Makhani is a tasty and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's easy to chew and digest, making it a good choice for anyone with dental or digestive issues. Plus, it provides a range of important nutrients that can help support overall health and wellbeing.
Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.
Vegetarian Dal Makhani: 5 Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Vegetarian Dal Makhani?
Vegetarian Dal Makhani is a popular North Indian dish made with black lentils and kidney beans simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce. It is typically served with rice or Indian bread such as naan or roti.
2. Is Vegetarian Dal Makhani healthy?
While Vegetarian Dal Makhani is high in calories, it is also rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients such as iron and potassium. However, it is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
3. How is Vegetarian Dal Makhani prepared?
Vegetarian Dal Makhani is typically prepared by soaking black lentils and kidney beans overnight and then simmering them in a tomato-based sauce with spices such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Cream and butter are then added to the mixture to create a rich and creamy texture.
4. Can Vegetarian Dal Makhani be frozen?
Yes, Vegetarian Dal Makhani can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, simply cool the dish to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container, and place it in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
5. Is Vegetarian Dal Makhani suitable for vegans?
Most Vegetarian Dal Makhani recipes contain cream and butter, which are not vegan-friendly. However, vegan versions of the dish can be made by using plant-based ingredients such as coconut cream or cashew cream instead of dairy cream, and coconut oil or vegan butter instead of dairy butter.