‘I used ChatGPT and Perplexity to prepare meal with only these 3 ingredients from my fridge; this is what I made’

This is what ChatGPT suggested

The joke’s on ChatGPT because the AI thought I actually had other foods in my kitchen, but like the Internet’s favourite punching bag Miss Carrie Bradshaw, my kitchen cabinets have nothing but air, so from some coaxing, i.e. bettering my prompt, this is what the AI assistant suggested:

Option 1: Dal-Egg Scramble with Cucumber Slices

A quick, protein-packed dish that’s filling and flavourful!

Instructions:

1. Heat the dal in a pan over low heat.
2. Crack the egg directly into the dal and stir well.
3. Keep stirring until the egg is fully cooked and mixed into the dal (like scrambled eggs, but with dal).
4. Slice the cucumber and serve it on the side for a refreshing crunch.

Result: A warm, comforting dal-egg scramble with a fresh cucumber side.

I put my faith in the AI gods—ChatGPT and Perplexity—to transform a bowl of leftover dal, a solitary egg, and a lonely cucumber into an edible (and maybe even delicious) meal (Photo: Freepik)

Option 2: Dal Pancake with Cucumber on the Side

A crispy pancake made from dal and egg!

Instructions:

1. Mix the dal and egg in a bowl to make a batter.
2. Heat a pan and pour the mixture, spreading it like a pancake.
3. Cook on medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
4. Slice the cucumber and eat it on the side.

Result: A crispy, protein-rich pancake with a fresh cucumber accompaniment.

Option 3: Cucumber-Dal Soup with Poached Egg

A warming soup with a soft egg on top!

Instructions:

1. Heat the dal with a bit of water to make it thinner.
2. Crack the egg directly into the dal (like poaching).
3. Cover the pan and cook on low heat until the egg is set.
4. Slice the cucumber and eat it on the side, or mix it for crunch.

Result: A nourishing dal soup with a soft egg and cucumber for contrast.

Would you prefer one of these, or do you want a different approach?

This is what Perplexity suggested

Perplexity says, “with a bowl of leftover dal, one egg, and a cucumber, you can create a delicious and nutritious meal!” 

Option 1: Dal and Egg Bowl

Ingredients:

• Leftover dal
• 1 egg
• Cucumber (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Heat the Dal: Warm up the leftover dal in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through.
2. Cook the Egg: In a separate pan, heat a little oil or butter over medium heat. Crack the egg into the pan and cook it to your liking (sunny-side up, scrambled, or poached).
3. Prepare the Cucumber: While the dal and egg are cooking, slice the cucumber into thin rounds or sticks.
4. Assemble the Bowl: In a bowl, place a generous serving of warm dal. Top it with the cooked egg and arrange the cucumber slices on the side or on top for added crunch.
5. Season (Optional): You can sprinkle some salt, pepper, or chili flakes on top for extra flavor.

Option 2: Dal Stuffed Cucumber Boats

Ingredients:

• Leftover dal
• Cucumber
• 1 egg (optional for topping)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cucumber: Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise and scoop out some of the seeds to create “boats.”
2. Fill with Dal: Spoon the leftover dal into each cucumber half, filling them generously.
3. Cook the Egg (Optional): If you want to add an egg topping, you can either fry it or scramble it in a pan.
4. Top It Off: Place the cooked egg on top of the stuffed cucumber boats if using.
5. Serve: Enjoy these refreshing and healthy cucumber boats as a light meal or snack.

Option 3: Dal and Cucumber Salad with Egg

Ingredients:

• Leftover dal
• 1 egg
• Cucumber

Instructions:

1. Boil the Egg: Start by boiling the egg in water for about 8-10 minutes until hard-boiled. Once done, cool it under running water, peel, and chop it.
2. Prepare the Cucumber: Dice or slice the cucumber into small pieces.
3. Mix Together: In a bowl, combine the leftover dal with chopped cucumber and boiled egg.
4. Season (Optional): Add salt, pepper, lemon juice, or any spices you like to enhance the flavor.
5. Serve Cold or Room Temperature: This salad can be enjoyed as is or chilled for a refreshing dish.

If any daring readers try this experiment, let us know in the comments!