About chana dal
Another variety of lentils, chana dal, is not only healthy but also a vegan and gluten-free recipe. This dish is incredibly tasty and pairs perfectly with either rice or roti. Chana dal can be prepared using a pressure cooker or a heavy-bottomed pan. It is also used to make besan (gram flour), which is a key ingredient in various dishes. From a health perspective, chana dal is highly beneficial as it is rich in fiber, protein, folate, zinc, and other essential nutrients.
India is a vast country, and lentils play a significant role in the daily diet. When it comes to dishes, many are incomplete without lentils, such as Idli Sambar, Dal Dhokli, Dal Bati, Dal Pakwan, and Dal Chawal. Chana dal is also added to pulao, enhancing its flavor.
Speaking of my preferences, chana dal is one of my favorites. Topped with raw onions, paired with seedless raw green chilies as a side, a few drops of lemon juice drizzled on the dal, and served with ghee-smeared rotis—what an amazing combination it makes!
However, chana dal takes a bit longer to digest, so it is better consumed during the day rather than at night.
The Chana Dal recipe is prepared with a variety of spices, resulting in a dish that is incredibly tasty and flavorful. Whenever possible, try to use fresh ingredients from home rather than store-bought ones, as this can significantly enhance the taste of the dish.
The flavor of Chana Dal Sabzi largely depends on tomatoes and onions, so it’s best not to skip either of these ingredients. However, the use of garlic in the recipe can be adjusted according to personal preference.
Preparing Chana Dal is simple, and with a few key tips, you can make a delicious version of this dish. I’ve included step-by-step photos to guide you through the process.
By following the steps, you too can prepare a delicious Chana Dal recipe. When it comes to vegetables like bottle gourd (lauki) or apple gourd (tinda), these are often disliked and end up being left in the fridge until they have to be thrown away.
However, if you want to make Chana Dal even more nutritious, you can add bottle gourd or apple gourd to give it a unique flavor. This way, you get the benefits of both vegetables and lentils in one dish.
So, let’s prepare a healthy Chana Dal recipe together. To explore more such recipes, click on the link below and discover my other best recipes.
Subtitle
About chana dal
Ingredients
How to make chana dal
Tips
Ingredients
Chana Dal – 120 grams
Whole Spices
Black Cardamom – 1
Bay Leaves – 2
Cloves – 4
Nutmeg – 1/2 small piece
Mace – 1 small piece
Black Peppercorns – 5-7
Other Ingredients
Ginger – 1-inch piece, chopped
Onions – 3 medium-sized
Tomatoes – 4 medium-sized
Salt – to taste
Red Chili Powder – 1/2 teaspoon
Coriander Powder – 1 teaspoon
Green Chilies – 2-3
Fresh Coriander or Mint Leaves – for garnishing
Water – 1 1/2 to 2 glasses
How to make chana dal
Before cooking, rinse the chana dal twice with clean water. Then, soak it for 1 to 1.5 hours. Start by heating oil in a pressure cooker. Once the oil is hot, add the whole spices. Add chopped ginger and sauté for 2 minutes. Next, add the chopped onions and cook until they turn dark brown. Once the onions are cooked, add tomatoes, along with salt, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Mix everything well and add water. Now, add the soaked chana dal and roast it in the mixture. After roasting, add a little more water and green chilies. Close the pressure cooker with its lid and cook for 2 whistles—one on high flame and the other on low flame. Turn off the gas and let the pressure release naturally.
Tips
Before cooking, rinse the chana dal thoroughly with water and soak it for 2 hours. This helps reduce the cooking time.
Always use fresh chana dal for the recipe. Avoid using dal that shows signs of infestation.
Make sure to consume the chana dal on the same day it is prepared. Stored dal might lead to acidity or digestive issues.
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