27 Punjabi Dals | Punjabi Kadhis Recipes

Tarla Dalal • Updated : Jan 09, 2026

Punjabi cuisine celebrates a rich variety of dals that are hearty, flavorful and perfect with steamed rice or roti. Alongside these, Punjabi kadhis like Punjabi Besan Kadhi and Punjabi Pakora Kadhi—a tangy yogurt and gram-flour based gravy sometimes studded with crispy pakoras—are also staples in Punjabi homes and add a delicious contrast to the dal curries

पंजाबी दाल रेसिपी | पंजाबी कढ़ी रेसिपी | - हिन्दी में पढ़ें (Punjabi Dals | Punjabi Kadhis in Hindi)

પંજાબી દાળ વાનગીઓ | પંજાબી કઢી વાનગીઓ | - ગુજરાતી માં વાંચો (Punjabi Dals | Punjabi Kadhis in Gujarati)

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Punjabi dals | types of Punjabi dals

Punjabi kadhis | types of Punjabi kadhi

Popular Punjabi dals include rich and creamy Dal Makhani, made with black gram and often simmered with butter and spices; Dal Tadka, a classic lentil preparation tempered with ghee and aromatic spices; Rajma Curry, a beloved kidney bean curry that is protein-rich; Mixed Dal and Masala Dal, which combine different pulses for complex flavors; and Amritsari Dal (Panchratni Dal), a traditional mixed lentil dish that brings together several pulses for a wholesome meal.

Punjabi dals | types of Punjabi dals

Punjabi dals are known for their rich flavors, hearty textures, and wholesome nutrition, making them a staple in North Indian cuisine. At the heart of every great Punjabi dal are high-quality lentils and pulses, such as urad dal (black gram), toor dal (split pigeon peas), moong dal (split yellow gram), chana dal (split chickpeas), and kidney beans (rajma). These ingredients are often paired with fresh aromatics like ginger, garlic, onions, and green chilies, along with a blend of traditional Indian spices such as turmeric, cumin seeds, red chili powder and garam masala to build layers of flavor.

The make of Punjabi dals typically begins with washing and soaking the chosen lentils to ensure even cooking. The lentils are then boiled or pressure cooked until tender. In many Punjabi dal recipes, a tempering (tadka) is prepared separately by heating ghee or clarified butter, which not only adds richness but also allows the whole spices like cumin, mustard seeds, and dried red chilies to release their aroma. This tempering is poured over the cooked dal along with sautéed garlic and onions to create a flavorful finish. For creamier dals like Dal Makhani, ingredients such as tomatoes, cream, or butter are simmered with the lentils to achieve a luxurious texture.

The careful use of these key ingredients and the traditional cooking techniques give Punjabi dals their characteristic robust taste, making them perfect when paired with steamed rice, roti, or naan. By highlighting these authentic components and methods, content on Punjabi dals can attract users searching for traditional dal recipes, Punjabi dal ingredients, and how to make Punjabi dal at home.

Amritsari dal recipe | Punjabi Amritsari dal | langarwali dal | healthy Amritsari dal

Dal Tadka | Punjabi dal tadka | restaurant style dal tadka is the most basic dal preparation made using masoor and yellow moong dal. You can even use any other lentil to prepare this dal, the flavor depends upon the tempering. The rich and creamy dal tempered with ghee tastes amazing with roti and rice.

You can even enhance the dal by addition of vegetables. This Hariyali Dal made using spinach and chana dal is an excellent source of protein, iron, vitamin A and calcium.

Nothing can be more satiating than a bowl full of Rajma curry and rice. This curry is a favourite in Punjab and very popular amongst all age groups. Another popular dal is Maa ki dal or Dal Makhani. Traditionally it is cooked on a low flame overnight and allowed to thicken. But nowadays it is made using a pressure cooker.

dal makhani recipe | how to make dal makhani | dhaba-style dal makhani | punjabi dal makhani

rajma curry recipe | Punjabi rajma masala | healthy rajma curry | restaurant style rajma masala | Rajma curry and rice, no meal can be more satiating. This famous combination of rajma curry recipe + chawal is a complete one meal dinner and healthy protein for Vegetarians as it’s a cereal and pulse combination.

Punjabi kadhis | types of Punjabi kadhi

A preparation of curds, besan, onions and masalas the Punjabi kadhi takes no time to cook. An addition of pakoda intensifies the flavor and makes Punjabi Pakoda Kadhi an irresistible treat.

Punjabi kadhi recipe | Punjabi besan kadhi | healthy Punjabi kadhi