Dal Chawal - by Sapna Punjabi (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Dal and rice, which together form the foundation of a homestyle Indian vegetarian diet. Dal is a Hindi word commonly used to describe all forms of pulses including dried beans, lentils, peas, and whole and split legumes. Chawal, the Hindi word for rice, is the perfect soulmate for dal. Not only a delicious harmony, together they form a completely balanced and nutritious meal. This comprehensive vegetarian Indian cookbook features 85 recipes that form the foundation of traditional Indian home cooking.

Sapna Punjabi combines a lifelong vegetarian practice, Ayurvedic training, and expertise as a registered dietitian and nutritionist to create plant-based recipes that address many common dietary issues, including gut health and inflammation whilst promoting a holistic lifestyle. This is Indian comfort food at its finest: economical, healthy, and delicious.

Review Quotes

"Dal Chawal is a dream...This cookbook is full of beautiful photos, making it a gorgeous addition to your cookbook collection." --Kendra Winchester, Book Riot

This beautiful book from wellness specialist Sapna Punjabi is an ode to rice and dal, the foundation of vegetarian Indian cuisine."--Bon Appétit

"Dal Chawal is Sapna Punjabi's deliciously deep dive into the plant-based world of dal--a world that Indians know so well and the West is waking up to. Punjabi has done a beautiful job of showing the plethora of ways dal can nourish us. A special feature of this book is the section of suggestions on how to adjust each dish based on Ayurvedic principles, so you can enjoy this food while achieving balance for your body and your soul."--Maya Kaimal, author of Indian Flavor Every Day and founder of Maya Kaimal Foods

"For any Indian, Dal Chawal is more than a meal of pulses and rice. It holds a deep emotional connection and is a keeper of family memories, traditions, and culture on a plate. Sapna has not only beautifully interwoven her Sindhi lineage, family recipes, and personal stories but also showcased authentic regional dal and rice dishes that truly represent the rich diversity of Indian cuisine. While rooted in tradition, Sapna's Dal Chawal cookbook has a timeless appeal and will be a great companion in any kitchen seeking to build and expand on the endless possibilities offered by this Indian staple."--Vikas Khanna, chef, author, and filmmaker

"If you think rice and beans is basic, think again. This book will open your eyes to the kaleidoscope of possibilities for these staple ingredients. Sapna Punjabi's recipes celebrate the nutritional power duo with a spectrum of exciting flavors that honor the Indian cuisine she grew up with, with today's home cook in mind. Whether you are vegetarian or just trying to eat more plant protein, you want this book on your shelf."--Ellie Krieger, RD, PBS and Food Network host and James Beard award-winning cookbook author

"Sapna Punjabi has written a beautiful ode to traditional, plant-based Indian food for modern times. Flavor, nutrition, and ayurvedic principles blend seamlessly in each recipe. Whether you are a chickpea devotee or a lentil enthusiast, you're bound to find a slew of new recipes that'll make eating healing foods a joy."--Sandra A. Gutierrez, author of LATINÍSIMO: Home Recipes from the Twenty-One Countries of Latin America

"Sapna's book confidently fills the gap in the conversations around Ayurvedic foods and cooking. The recipes indeed alone are marvelously enticing, but it's her thoughtful approach that makes it extra special."--Nik Sharma, James Beard Award finalist, chef, and author and photographer of Veg-table

About the Author