Meaning & Definition of word "Dal"

Dal

/dɑːl/

noun:

  • 1. A type of legume or lentil commonly used in South Asian cuisine, often prepared as a thick stew.
    • Example: For dinner, we had a delicious bowl of dal served with rice and naan.
  • 2. A dish made from cooked lentils or pulses, seasoned and often accompanied by rice or bread.
    • Example: Dal is a staple in Indian households, enjoyed for its rich flavor and high protein content.
  • 3. The term used in Indian cooking to refer to both the lentils themselves and the dishes made from them.
    • Example: She mixed various types of dal to create a colorful and nutritious meal.

Etymology

Derived from the Sanskrit word 'dāla', meaning 'split', referring to the legumes that are split before cooking.

Common Phrases and Expressions

dal chawal:

A common South Asian meal consisting of dal and rice.

sweet dal:

A sweeter version of dal often made with jaggery or sugar.

Related Words

lentil:

A type of legume, often used in making dal.

pulses:

Legumes such as lentils, peas, and beans, which are used to make various types of dal.

curried dal:

A variation of dal made with curry spices.

Slang Meanings of dal

Meaning: In some contexts, dal can refer to a cheap or basic meal.

Example Sentence: After a long day, I just had some dal and rice for dinner.

Meaning: A term sometimes used to describe someone who is simple or down-to-earth.

Example Sentence: He's just a dal kind of guy, nothing fancy.