Dal Chawal: 85 Vegetarian Indian Recipes Combining the Power of Dal and Rice Hardcover – April 8, 2025

A Feast for the Eyes and the Table – A Beautifully Crafted Indian CookbookFrom the moment you open Dal Chawal cookbook, it’s clear that it’s more than just a collection of recipes—it’s an immersive culinary experience. The design is absolutely stunning: rich, vibrant photography captures the essence of Indian cooking, while thoughtful layouts make even the most complex dishes feel approachable. Each page invites you in with warm colors, cultural notes, and a deep sense of tradition blended with modern elegance.But this book isn't just a visual treat—it delivers where it truly counts: the recipes. It offers something for every skill level and craving. The instructions are clear, well-organized, and often include helpful tips on technique, substitutions, and how to balance spices—something especially valuable for home cooks new to Indian cuisine.One of the cookbook's strengths is its attention to detail without overwhelming the reader. Each recipe feels like a gentle guided journey, rooted in authenticity but perfectly adapted for home kitchen.This book would be a prized addition to any cookbook collection—not just for its aesthetics, but for the depth of knowledge and love for Indian food it conveys. A true celebration of culture, flavor, and the joy of cooking.

This book reads like a love letter to the soul of Indian cooking—where dal and chawal meet not just on a plate, but in tradition, memory, and medicine.Each page flows with knowledge, tenderly shared by an author whose wisdom runs deep. There’s rhythm in the recipes, echoing the seasons, the Ayurvedic elements, and the quiet power of food as healing.The dishes are humble, yet profound. And the photography? It’s nothing short of art. Every image captures the texture, color, and warmth of food made with intention—a visual meditation on nourishment.This is more than a cookbook. It’s a guide, a story, a companion through the year. One to savor slowly, and return to often.

In the age of online recipes, its so satisfying to hold a book, get inspired and start cooking instead of scrolling. Dal Chawal brought back homestyle authentic indian recipes with contemporary presentation and vibrant pictures. I have tried some of the Delicious soulful recipes, the instructions are easy to follow and the ayurveda notes for each recipe helps you choose as per your body type and season of the year! amazing book and a perfect gift too

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to explore Indian comfort food. The book is beautifully laid out and easy to follow. But it's more than just a cook book you get ayuredic insight, and a rich family history of recipes. This is a must have in your collection

Awesome book, Easy to follow Recipes. Very well laid. Beautiful book shows the amounts of efforts that are put into this book! Going to be my new goto cook book.Sapna 's book is a heartfelt tribute to the simplicity and nourishment of traditional Indian cuisine. Focusing on vegetarian recipes that highlight the power of Indian pulses and rice, this stunning book captures not only a delicious harmony but also two powerhouse ingredients central to Indian cooking. She has poured her heart and soul into this book and her dedication is obvious, Beautiful color and pics make this book even better. She brings a dietitian's point of view combined with Ancient Ayurvedic science.

As a chef I am super particular about the cookbooks I add to my collection. Sapna has checked all the boxes on my list to add to my extensive cookbook collection. She takes you on a journey and explains the purpose around Ayurvedic foods, mainly rice and beans, an important part of Indian cuisine. I enjoy the personal connection Sapna makes with the reader and the recipes are approachable for all skill levels. The photography is on point and adds to the journey you are taken on. I am excited to cook every dish in this cookbook over the summer and experience the journey through the plant-based world of dal. One of the best cookbook acquisitions this year and I am excited to share this book with may of my colleagues and associates that work in my kitchens. A must have for all that are looking to nourish themselves the right way and explore the world of Indian cuisine.

I recently had the pleasure of diving into Dal Chawal, Sapna Punjabi-Gupta’s debut cookbook, and it’s already earned a permanent spot in my kitchen. The first recipe I tried—Sukhi Moong Dal—was simple, nourishing, and bursting with flavor. But beyond the recipes, what makes this book truly special is the heart behind it.We first met Sapna at the Coppell Farmers Market, where she was sharing her passion for Indian spices and wellness. When she mentioned her cookbook was about to launch, I knew I had to get my hands on it. A few weeks later, we returned with our copy in hand, and she kindly signed it, encouraging us to start with the first recipe. I’m so glad we did.Dal Chawal is more than a cookbook—it’s a celebration of tradition, seasonal eating, and the healing power of food. I’m looking forward to trying many more recipes and continuing this delicious journey through her culinary lens.

Besides being beautiful to read, I love that there are EASY recipes as well as ones inspire even seasoned cooks. Thank you for an Indian cookbook that is approachable and aspirational.