Dal coconut is a tasteful lentil preparation of Indian cuisine. The dish makes use of coconut as one of its main ingredients. Coconut is used in the dish in various forms such as shredded, grated or as milk of coconut.

Coconut is mainly produced in the Southern Indian region and therefore the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala make use of it regularly

The dish prepared by combining lentils with coconut is not only delicious but also a healthy food. The taste of the dish ranges from mild to spicy and the texture also varies as per choice.

Preparation Overview of Dal Coconut

Ingredients- The ingredients which are used by dal coconut recipe include lentils (dal), coconut (shredded, grated, cut into pieces), vegetables, spices and herbs.

The lentils which are used for preparing coconut dal comprise toor dal, mung dal, Bengal gram, urad dal or masoor dal (red lentil). Tomatoes and onions are mainly used for the dish. However, in some places, drumsticks, cauliflower, carrot, and potatoes are also used for dal coconut recipe. The spices usually range from cloves, bay leaf, cumin, and turmeric to red chili powder and garam masala. Thyme, mint and coriander are commonly used herbs for the dish.

Method of Preparation- For making dal coconut, the lentils are soaked prior to cooking. Coconut is also prepared in the form as suggested by the recipe. Vegetables are peeled and cut accordingly for the dish. The dal is cooked along with vegetables (excluding onions) in the pressure cooker. Onions are browned in a skillet and prepared lentils are added to it. Coconut is also stirred in and the seasonings are adjusted as per taste.

Serving dal Coconut

Dal coconut pairs well with chapatis and steamed rice and is often served as a main course dish. Vegetable side dishes, pickles and papad are also some of the accompaniments to dal coconut.

Popular Dal Coconut Recipe Variations

Sri Lankan Dal Coconut- It is a popular dal dish of Sri Lanka. Red lentils are cooked with garlic, cumin, black pepper, chilies, onions and curry leaves. The flavor of the dish is enhanced with the addition of lime juice or tamarind.

Lauki Chana With Coconut Milk- It is a mildly flavored dal dish which is usually eaten in Northern India. The dal is cooked with bottle gourd and coconut. Ginger and garlic are also added to the dish to make it more delicious.

Buta Dali- It is a popular dish of Orissa. The taste of this dish is mild in flavor and it is usually made by combining lentils with coconut, dry fruits and coconut.

Kerala Parippu Curry- Also known as mung dal with coconut, this is a flavorful dal dish usually prepared by Tamils residing in Palakkad, Kerala. Coconut is added to the usual sambar and is served with rice or dosa.