Simple parna meal: moong dal and rice
Cook plain rice and a gently seasoned moong dal for a simple Karva Chauth meal after moonrise.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 35 min
- Serves
- 2–3 servings
Before you begin
Parna means breaking the fast; the order and foods vary by family. This page offers one concrete dinner recipe rather than universal fasting rules. Cook rice and dal in separate pans, then serve a portion that suits you with any familiar accompaniments. Extra side dishes have their own preparation time.
Ingredients 🧂
- ¾ cup rice
- ½ cup split yellow moong dal
- 1½ cups water for rice, or the amount directed on its packet
- 2 cups water for dal, plus hot water as needed
- 1 tbsp ghee or oil
- ½ tsp cumin seeds
- ¼ tsp turmeric, optional
- ½ tsp salt, divided between the pans and adjusted to taste
Method 👩🍳
- 1Rinse rice and moong dal separately until the water is less cloudy and drain. Set out two saucepans with lids.
- 2Put dal, two cups of water, optional turmeric and half the salt in one pan. Bring to a boil, lower the heat and simmer loosely covered for about 25–30 minutes.
- 3Meanwhile, put the rice, its measured water and the remaining salt in the second pan. Follow the rice packet’s cooking directions; a typical covered simmer takes about 15–20 minutes.
- 4Check the dal grains crush easily and add a little hot water if needed for a spoonable consistency. Let cooked rice rest covered off the heat for five minutes, then fluff gently.
- 5Heat ghee or oil in a small pan, add cumin and let it sizzle briefly without burning. Stir this seasoning into the cooked dal and adjust salt.
- 6Serve the dal and rice warm after your family’s evening observance. Add separately prepared vegetables, roti or curd if you prefer a fuller table.
Helpful tips 💡
- Rice varieties need different water ratios and cooking times; use the packet as your guide.
- This is a menu suggestion rather than a requirement to break a fast with a particular food.
Make ahead & storage
Measure ingredients before the evening meal. Serve freshly cooked food promptly, or refrigerate it promptly and reheat thoroughly when needed. Add a splash of water when warming dal.
Keep dairy and cooked food refrigerated at 4°C or below. Refrigerate within two hours, or one hour in temperatures above 32°C. Food storage guidance.
Common questions
What is a parna meal?
It is the meal used to break the fast after the evening observance. Different families choose different foods; dal and rice are one simple option.
Can I cook dal and rice before moonrise?
Yes. Serve freshly cooked food promptly, or refrigerate it promptly and reheat thoroughly when needed. Do not leave cooked pans at room temperature throughout a long wait.