Nepal is a country found in South-Central Asia amongst the Himalayan mountains. It is bordered by China to the north and India to the south. While we can’t talk about Nepal without mentioning Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world, there are many other interesting aspects of the country. For example, the Gurkhas, Nepali special forces, are famous for being some of the most resilient operators in the world. Also, we bet you didn’t know that Nepal is the world’s biggest supplier of mustard seeds. Dal Bhat is a staple in Nepal. While there are many variations of Dal Bhat within Nepal, all contain a hearty, spiced lentil stew and basmati rice. Nicknamed “24-hour power” by the locals, Dal Bhat is famous for its filling, energy-giving properties. 

Dal Bhat Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp ghee or oil
• 2 large tomatoes, diced 
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 piece ginger, about the size of your thumb, grated
• 2 tsp ground coriander seeds
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp whole cumin seeds
• 400 g red lentils
• 500 ml water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes
• 4 tbsp cilantro, chopped

Method 

• Start by removing any pebbles or foreign objects from the lentils and rinse them under cold water for a few minutes. Strain and set aside.
• Heat oil or ghee in a large saucepan/pot over medium heat along with the salt, cumin and coriander seeds and toast for a few minutes or until fragrant.
• Stir in garlic and chili flakes, toasting for another minute or two.
• Mix in diced tomatoes and turmeric and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tomatoes soften.
• Add lentils, water, and ginger. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer, cooking for another 20 minutes or until the lentils are soft.
• Using an immersion blender, puree the lentils a few times to thicken. Alternatively, you can blend one cup of the mixture in a blender and then add back to the pot. 
• Add 3 tbsp of chopped cilantro and cook another couple of minutes.
• Serve with basmati rice or naan bread and garnish with remaining chopped cilantro. 

Little Hands Can

2-4-year-olds 

• Wash and remove any stones from lentils
• Wash cilantro and pick off leaves
• Wash tomatoes 
• Measure spices (under adult supervision)
• Measure water 

5-7-year-olds 

• Wash and remove any stones from lentils
• Wash cilantro and pick off leaves
• Chop cilantro (under adult supervision)
• Wash and cut tomatoes (under adult supervision)
• Measure spices (under adult supervision)
• Measure water 
• Measure lentils 
• Peel and grate ginger (under adult supervision)

7+

• Wash and remove any stones from lentils
• Wash cilantro and pick off leaves
• Chop cilantro (under adult supervision)
• Wash and cut tomatoes (under adult supervision)
• Measure spices (under adult supervision)
• Measure water 
• Measure lentils 
• Peel and grate ginger (under adult supervision)
• Peel and chop garlic (under adult supervision)
• Add ingredients to pot and stir occasionally (under adult supervision)

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