Recipe Inspired by Jawaharlal Nehru – Dal Nehru

Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India, had refined culinary tastes, yet they were also influenced by traditional Indian culture. Although he did not write a specific recipe like a cookbook, his food preferences are well-documented through his writings and the testimonies of those who knew him.

Nehru's Culinary Preferences:

Traditional Indian Cuisine:

• Nehru was particularly drawn to the cuisine of Northern India, enjoying simple and healthy vegetarian dishes, which aligned with the spiritual and vegetarian culture prevalent in India at the time.

Favorite Dishes:

• Dal (lentils): A staple in Indian cuisine, often served with rice and bread such as chapati or naan.
• Biryani: Though often vegetarian, Nehru enjoyed a rich biryani made with rice and spices, sometimes with meat but often vegetarian.
• Curry: He loved Indian curries, whether vegetarian or meat-based, seasoned with mild spices such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander.

Sweet Tooth:

• Nehru had a preference for sweet desserts, especially gajar halwa (a sweet carrot pudding) and kulfi (traditional Indian ice cream).

Western Food Preferences:

• Besides Indian food, Nehru also enjoyed some Western dishes like onion soup and stew, often in a simplified version.

Love for Tea:

• A great lover of black tea, Nehru often took his tea with milk, usually with friends or during informal meetings.

Anecdotes and Testimonies:

• Many who worked with Nehru described him as someone who appreciated simplicity in his meals but also valued quality. In his book The Discovery of India, he mentions the food and flavors of India, with one of his famous quotes referring to the richness of Indian cuisine:
  "Indian cuisine is so varied and complex, it is hard to choose a favorite dish."

Recipe Inspired by Jawaharlal Nehru – Dal Nehru

A spiced yet simple lentil dal inspired by Nehru's tastes. This dish is often made with yellow or red lentils and flavored with mild spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup yellow or red lentils (moong dal or toor dal)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1-2 green chilies (optional, to taste)
• 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
• Salt, to taste
• 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (optional)
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rinse the Lentils: Start by rinsing the lentils under cold water until the water runs clear.

2. Cook the Lentils: In a large pot, add the lentils with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. You can add a pinch of turmeric to the water to enhance color and flavor.

3. Prepare the Tadka (Seasoning): While the lentils cook, heat the ghee or oil in a small frying pan. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns golden. Then, add the garlic, tomatoes, and spices (cumin, coriander, green chili, and turmeric). Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and the spices release their aroma.

4. Combine with the Lentils: Once the lentils are cooked, add the sautéed spice mixture (tadka) to the lentils and mix well. Add salt to taste and a bit of water if you prefer a thinner consistency.

5. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, add a few drops of fresh lemon juice for a touch of freshness. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Serving Suggestions:

Dal Nehru can be served with basmati rice or chapatis. It’s a comforting and nourishing dish that aligns with Nehru's simple and healthy taste preferences.

Other Dishes Associated with Nehru:

• Vegetarian Biryani: Though Nehru favored vegetarian dishes, he enjoyed a good vegetarian biryani, made with fragrant rice and vegetables, sometimes spiced with saffron.
• Gajar Halwa: For desserts, Nehru had a fondness for sweet treats like gajar halwa, a classic Indian dish that combines sweetness and spices.