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Ever wonder how a Bollywood star tackles a basic dal‑rice combo? I watched Sonakshi Sinha’s very first cooking lesson and learned a trick or two while laughing nonstop.
What Happened
On October 30, 2024 NDTV Food released a 7‑minute video showing Sonakshi in a home‑style kitchen, apron on, ready to make dal and steamed rice for the first time. The set felt like a friend’s dining room—cabinets open, a pot simmering, and a mischievous cat eyeing the spices. And the host kept the mood light, cracking jokes about her “dramatic” Bollywood entrances versus the humble stovetop.
Recipe Walkthrough
First, she rinsed 1 cup of split yellow moong dal, then soaked it for 15 minutes. Drain and toss the dal into a pressure cooker with 3 cups of water, ½ teaspoon of turmeric, and a pinch of salt. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally — the beans puffed up like tiny clouds.
While the dal cooked, she whisked 1 ½ cups of basmati rice, rinsed until the water ran clear, and combined it with 2 cups of water in a rice cooker. Set the cooker to “white rice” and let it do its thing. Meanwhile, Sonakshi sautéed 1 tablespoon of ghee, 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds, and 2 minced garlic cloves until fragrant, then poured the hot oil over the cooked dal for that classic tadka.
“I’ve never been more excited to eat something I made myself,” Sonakshi laughed, wiping a smear of ghee from her cheek.
She served the dal beside the fluffy rice, garnished with fresh cilantro, and the result was comforting without any pretension. Because the dal was cooked just right, the flavors melded instantly — no need for a long simmer.
Pro Tips
- Use a pressure cooker for dal; it cuts cooking time by two‑thirds.
- Rinse rice until water is clear to avoid gummy texture.
- Finish dal with a hot tadka of ghee, cumin, and garlic for depth.
The Bottom Line
- Simple ingredients, big flavor.
- Perfect for beginners.
- Laughs are optional but highly recommended.
For more on perfect dal techniques, see Serious Eats. If you love rice, Allrecipes has a fool‑proof method.
Check out our latest food safety guide here and read about Nevada lawmakers’ push for IRS tip data here.
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