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.