Pulses are a staple for almost every person across the globe. They are healthy, light on the stomach and easy to make. One of the most comforting foods for all, pulses are easily accessible and affordable worldwide. Besides they are a powerhouse of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, protein, fibre, healthy carbs et al that make for a wholesome meal providing an overall benefit to our health. Recognising the significant role pulses play in our daily diet, the United Nations General Assembly dedicated February 10 as the World Pulses Day.
Celebrated annually, this day is "a designated United Nations global event to recognise the importance of pulses (chickpeas, dry beans, lentils, dry peas and lupins among others) as a global food. It has been proclaimed on February 10 of each year since 2019 by the General Assembly of the United Nations on December 20, 2018," read an official statement from worldpulsesday.org website.
World Pulses Day 2021: Theme And Significance:
World Pulses Day comes under the 'Zero Hunger' by 2030 goal of the United Nations. The theme for World Pulses Day this year is 'Nutritious Seeds for a Sustainable Future'. For the unversed, this theme was decided back in 2016 (the year of pulses, as decided by the UN) with an aim to create awareness among people about sustainable production and consumption of pulses to further reduce global hunger rate. The remained the same from 2019 to 2021.
Also Read: High-Protein Diet: 4 Ways To Innovate With Moong Dal For Cooking (Video Inside)
Dal provides every essential nutrients to our body
World Pulses Day 2021 Recipes: 5 Popular Dal Recipes From Across India:
In India, lentils and legumes are the most consumed food ingredients for all. If you explore the Indian food culture, you will find every region having their unique dal recipes that make an indispensable part of their daily diet.
On the World Pulses Day 2021, we bring you a few such popular dal recipes that can help you put together a wholesome meal in very less time.
5 Dal Recipes From Across India:
Punjabi Dal Tadka:
A must-have with roti, paratha or rice Punjabi dal tadka is a healthy mix of chana and toor dal with a spicy tadka of ginger, garlic, onion, chillies, garam masala and some spices on it. Click here for the recipe.
Rajasthani Panchmela Dal:
Made with 5 dals - moong, dhuli moong, arhar, dhuli urad, chana dal - this dal defines soul-soothing. All you need to do is boil the dal and give a spice tadka of ghee, hing, methi, jeera, kalonji and saunf. You must give it a try. Click here for the recipe.
Also Read: 9 Quick And Easy Dal Recipes You Can Try At Home
Dal makes for a fulfilling meal when paired with rice, roti or paratha
South Indian Sambar:
Sambar needs no separate introduction. A popular South Indian curry made with arhar dal, Sambar completes a meal when paired with dosa, idli, vada or rice. Click here for the classic sambar recipe.
Bengali-Style Chana Dal:
Did you know, people in Bengal pair poori with dal? Sounds interesting, right! We bring you the Bengali-style chana dal recipe (also called cholar dal) that makes a classic breakfast combo when paired with luchi. Click here for the recipe.
Lucknow's Sultani Dal:
If you think Lucknow is just known for its biryanis and kebabs, then you might be wrong. It also offers some lip-smacking veg dishes that can offer a burst of flavours to your palate. One such example is Sultani dal. Made with arhar dal, it is cooked in milk, cream and yogurt and topped with a tempering of onion and chillies. Click here for the recipe.
Include dal in your daily diet and make your everyday diet a healthy affair. Happy World Pulses Day 2021, everyone!
About Somdatta SahaExplorer- this is what Somdatta likes to call herself. Be it in terms of food, people or places, all she craves for is to know the unknown. A simple aglio olio pasta or daal-chawal and a good movie can make her day.