# dal

/ˈdæɫ/ (US) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dal
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a traditional South Asian dish made from dried lentils, peas, or beans that have been split and cooked until soft.

For teachers: a dish common in South Asian cuisine consisting of hulled and split pulses, such as lentils or peas, typically simmered into a thick stew or soup.

## Examples

- I usually eat dal with rice or flatbread for dinner.
- The chef seasoned the yellow dal with a tempering of cumin seeds, garlic, and dried chilies in hot oil.
- While often served as a humble side dish, dal provides a vital source of plant-based protein for millions of people across the Indian subcontinent.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the dish in general; countable when referring to specific varieties of pulses.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.