Lentil curry, also known as dal, can be classified by the type of lentils used, the type of curry being prepared, and whether it is vegetarian or non-vegetarian. Any curry with lentils can be considered a lentil curry, and lentils are a common ingredient in Indian cooking. Different types of curries can become lentil curries when made with lentils.
There are many different types of lentil curry and these can be classified in many different ways. The main type of lentil curry is referred to as dal, but there are many different types of dal as well. Lentil curry can be classified by the type of lentils used, such as red, green or brown lentils, or by the type of curry being prepared. For example, korma, Madras and rogan josh curries can all be made with lentils. There are also vegetarian and non-vegetarian types of lentil curry, and those with varying degrees of spiciness.
Essentially any curry, including lentils, can be referred to as a lentil curry. This makes specific definition of the term problematic, as while many think it refers specifically to types of dal, it can actually be any curry with lentils in the recipe. Many different types of curries can therefore be classified as lentil curries, and any ordinary curry recipe could be made into one if a few types of lentils are added.
Dal is a Hindi word which refers to various types of split pulse, of which lentils can be classified. Recipes with dal in the name are usually classified as curries, but the spices that define the taste of curry can vary from recipe to recipe. Two popular types of dal are channa dal and massor dal, both of which are normally served as side dishes. Most lentil curries are suitable for vegetarians, but this is not always the case.
Some types of lentil curry also contain chicken or other meat ingredients. Generally, lentil curry would be considered a vegetarian or vegan version of a curry normally served with meat. Lentils are a common ingredient in Indian cooking, however, and thus are also included in many dishes that also include meat. Some types, such as Rajasthani red lentil curry and Madras lentil curry, are suitable for vegetarians. Other types, such as chicken and lentil korma, are not suitable for vegetarians.
Curries are usually classified into various types based on the area in India they come from and the spices or other ingredients that are included in them. Types of lentil curry can also be categorized in this general way, such as rogan josh, saag, and korma curry. Different types of curries can be found in Northern and Southern India as well as areas such as Punjab. All these different types of curries become lentil curries when made with lentils.
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