Understanding the Weight and Serving Portions of Cooked Dal

The cooking process significantly affects the weight and serving size of dal. Dry dal grains absorb water and expand during cooking, resulting in a larger volume of cooked dal.

Weight Increase During Cooking

Typically, 1 kilogram (kg) of dried dal can yield between 2.5 to 3 kg of cooked dal depending on the lentil variety and the cooking method. For instance, split red lentils (masoor dal) may yield approximately 2.5 kg of cooked dal, while whole green lentils (sabut moong) may yield closer to 3 kg when cooked. The exact expansion can vary based on factors such as soaking time, cooking time, and the volume of water used.

Serve the Right Amount of Dal

The average serving size for dried dal is around 150 to 175 grams, which translates to an approximate 4 cup serving when cooked. Based on this, 1 kg of dal can comfortably serve 20 to 25 people if properly divided. Conversely, for a smaller group, 1 kg of dried dal can yield about 3 kg of cooked dal, depending on the recipe and seasonings used.

Calculating Dry Lentil Quantities

Plan for about 1 to 1.5 cups of cooked lentils per serving. To determine the amount of dry lentils needed for a specific quantity of cooked lentils, divide the cooked volume by 2.5. For example, 1 cup of dry lentils will yield about 2.5 cups of cooked lentils.

It is important to consider the type of dal and its quality, as well as whether it is polished or unpolished. Polished lentils tend to cook more thoroughly but may not expand as much, while unpolished and aged dal can expand significantly after cooking.

General Serving Suggestions

No matter whether you are serving dal, pulses, or staples like rice, their size increases depending on their quality, aging, and whether they are in their natural and unpolished form. Usually, cooked dal or rice that is aged and unpolished will expand more after cooking, making it easier to serve a larger number of people.

For plain dal, 1 kg of cooked dal can serve about 10 to 12 persons. If you add vegetables and achieve a medium thickness, it can serve up to 15 to 20 people.

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