Rajasthani Panchmel Dal – 5 Lentil Mix

Last Updated on June 9, 2023 by Chef Mireille

Panchmel Dal, also known as Panchratna Dal is a traditional Rajasthani Dal made with 5 different lentils, however, there are many regional varieties throughout India.

By using a variety of lentils, you get a great complexity of flavor as some lentils have a more earthy taste like black lentils, while others have a sweeter taste like red lentils.

Panch is the Hindi word for 5, so the recipe name literally means 5 Lentil Mixed Dal.

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What is dal?

If dal is new to you, it is basically a lentil stew that can be prepared in a variety of ways, utilizing a variety of lentils.

Since much of India’s population are Vegetarians, dal is the main protein source for many people in India. Dal & Rice in the south or Dal & Roti (flatbread) in the north is a staple meal for much of India’s population.

Some versions will use just one lentil and some will use a variety of lentils in one recipe, like this Panchratna Dal.

Are there variations to dal?

The variations to dal are endless. Each region of India has their own traditional dal recipes.

They will vary by the type of lentils used, the type of spices used and the type of flavorings used.

Some are thick and creamy with the addition of coconut milk or yogurt like Bengali Cholar Dal, or Jaisalmer Chana Dal while others can be very thin almost like a soup like this UP (Uttar Pradesh) Sookhi Tadka Dal (Garlic Dal).

Especially if you explore the 7 sisters region of northeast India, you will find some really unique dal flavorings like black sesame seeds.

In addition to Indian dal’s, there are also variations in many countries that Indians emigrated to. These recipes are no longer considered Indian recipes, but are part of the national cuisine prepared by all.

This is especially prevalent in East African countries and some Caribbean islands and a few countries in South America (Guyana and Suriname).

Since I combine food, travel and culture on this website, let’s learn a little about Rajasthan before we get to the recipe.

Basics of Rajasthani Cuisine

I am always intrigued by Rajasthani cuisine and culture as that is where it is believed my great grandfather originated from when he emigrated to Suriname.

The expansive Thar Desert is in the north Indian state of Rajasthan. Since Rajasthan is mostly desert, they have little access to potable water as well as fresh fruits and vegetables.

For this reason, Rajasthani cuisine is a largely grain based cuisine. They utilize corn, millet, sorghum, barley and buckwheat. In modern times, wheat has become more common.

Lots of dairy is used, especially ghee (clarified butter) and yogurt as natural coolants to the hot weather.

The use of tomatoes in their cuisine is a modern adaptation as traditionally, tomatoes would be hard to come by in the desert.

Even with these limited simple ingredients, Rajasthani cuisine is very flavorful with the adept use of spices, cooking methods, combining sweet, salty and sour flavors and utilizing dairy to create complex flavored dishes like Dal Baati Churma.

Rajasthan is also home to the Marwari people. Most Marwari’s are also Jain, which practice an even more restrictive diet as they don’t eat anything that may cause harm to animals or plants like root vegetables or honey.

Which lentils should I use to make Panchmel Dal (Panchratna Dal)?

The 5 dals generally used are:

• toor dal/ toovar dal (split pigeon peas)
• whole green gram/ green moong dal (green mung beans) – split green gram is sometimes used
• masoor dal (red lentils)
• chana dal (yellow split peas)
• whole urad dal (black lentils) – split urad dal is sometimes used

How to make Panchmel Dal

This dal is so easy!

• Soak the lentils for 2 hours.
• Boil the lentils.
• Stir fry the flavorings.
• Mash or puree half the dal (this is how you get the creamy consistency)
• Mix the flavorings with the dal and simmer for a few more minutes.

For a simple Vegetarian Indian Meal, pair your traditional Rajasthani Dal with Methi Roti (Fenugreek Flatbread) and sliced cucumbers.

FAQ

OTHER RAJASTHANI RECIPES

• Khoya Matar – Green Peas in Milk Curry
• Khoba Roti
• Jaisalmer Chana – Black Chickpeas in Yogurt Curry
• Bajra Ki Kheer – Millet Pudding
• Palak Mangodi – Sun Dried Lentils in Spinach Curry
• Watermelon Curry
• Paneer Mirch

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