Poorva Chavan
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Written By: Poorva Chavan | Updated : April 2, 2015 10:32 AM IST
While many of you might find eating dal-chawal boring, it is far more than that. Add a dollop of ghee and your not-so-fancy dal-chawal turns into something exotic. I prefer it any day over some spicy mixture of vegetables. Here are my reasons:
1. Comfort food: Yes, it is easy to make and doesn't involve a lot of shenanigans. After a tiring day at work when I am stressed out, the smell of dal-chawal cooking in a pressure cooker is enough to lift my spirits. The soft and smooth mixture of dal rice hugs me from inside, literally. I always add a huge dollop of some homemade ghee to my dal-chawal. It is an out of the world experience. Wondering if rice is healthy? Find out.
2. Easy to digest: Not only when I am ill but also to give some rest to my digestive system, I always stick to the humble dal-chawal. Tur dal or moong dal are easy to digest as the proteins in these dals are easily broken down by the body. (These proteins are not complete proteins like those in meat and meat products.) Rice, as you know, is a sick mans food, it is also easily broken down and absorbed by the body. It is a rich source of carbohydrates and is also an instant source of energy. Read about how different types of dals are a healthy option!
3. A good source of proteins: Since I am a vegetarian, dals are a very good source of protein for me. Dals contain incomplete proteins (proteins that lack certain amino acids), it is best to pair them with rice. Rice is supposed to contain proteins that dals lack and vice versa, hence together they make a good pair to stick by!
4. High in dietary fiber: Both dal and rice are rich in fiber, and they help your digestive system run smoothly. Dietary fiber is known to protect you from diseases like diabetes and also help control your blood sugar levels.
5. Great while watching your weight: I have been told many times to avoid rice to control my weight. Our nutritionist Neha Chandna says that it depends on your weight loss goals. If you are on a weight loss diet, you can eat rice twice a week provided you eat other vegetables that will make up for the lack of fiber and carbohydrates in the diet. Dal-chawal also makes you full quickly and helps in portion control and hence can be a part of a weight loss diet. You can always substitute white rice with brown rice to increase the health quotient of your meal. Confused if brown rice or white rice is healthy? Put all your doubts to rest.
If you still find dal-chawal boring, you can also eat the dish with a dash of pickle or a papad just to give your taste buds that zing and crunch. But beware, eating too much pickle and papad can have disastrous effects on your health.
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