Chana Dal Recipe
The Chana dal recipe is one of the lip-smacking dishes that are popular among Indians as they consume lentils almost every day in their meal. This recipe is very delicious, and spicy and is taken mainly with rice. This chana dal is full of protein and is very healthy too.
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| Chana Dal Recipe |
About Chana dal
Chana dal is also known as Bengali gram dal which is a traditional dish and can be taken either with rice or roti. It has a special aromatic flavor and is very nutritious. Here in this blog, I am going to uncover the secrets of my chana dal recipe in a very easy way.
Benefits of Chana Dal
*Chana dal is rich in protein which promotes overall body function.
*The fiber content present in Chana dal helps in curing constipation and promotes gut health.
*Chana dal helps in supporting weight management as it makes one feel fuller for a longer period.
*Chana dal helps in preventing the risk of heart disease and reduces cholesterol levels.
Ingredients
* ½ cup of chana dal
* 2 tablespoons of mustard oil or white oil
* 2 bay leaves
* 1 red chilli
* ½ teaspoon of cumin seeds
* ½ teaspoon of fennel seeds
* 1 medium size potato
* Sugar as required, which is optional
* Salt and turmeric as required
* 1 medium size tomato
* 1 medium size onion
* 6 to 7 garlic pieces
* Kashmiri red chilli powder of 1 tablespoon
* 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
* 1 teaspoon of cumin powder
* 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
* Green chillies as required
* 1 teaspoon of garam masala
* 1 tablespoon of ghee or as required
How to make a Chana dal recipe?
Cooking the Chana dal:-
Step 1) Take half a cup of chana dal and soak it for 2 to 4 hrs in a bowl.
Step 2) Drain the water well wash the dal properly and keep it inside the cooker.
Step 3) Try to give 4 to 3 whistles of the cooker depending upon the brand of the cooker as it may vary. In case you don’t have a cooker try to boil it in a bowl but see that the dal does not become too smashy.
For tempering:-
Step 4) In a frying pan or kadai add 2 tablespoons of mustard oil or white oil,2 bay leaves, one red chilli,1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds, and ½ teaspoon of fennel seeds and sauté it properly.
Step 5) Chop one potato in dice shape and add it after sauteing.
Step 6) Add salt and turmeric as required and sauté and fry the potatoes properly.
Step 7) Chop one tomato add it and sauté it properly after mixing it.
Step 8) Take one medium-sized onion and chop it finely, add it, and fry it properly.
Step 9) Take 6 to 7 garlic pieces, chop them finely, add them, and sauté the mixture properly.
Step 10) Add additional turmeric powder as required.
Step 11) Add one tablespoon of Kashmiri red chilli powder and mix the ingredients properly.
Step 12) After the mixture is ready add 1 tablespoon of grated ginger and mix it thoroughly and continuously.
Step 13) Add 1 teaspoon of cumin powder and 1 teaspoon of coriander powder.
Cooking of the dal:-
Step 14) Add the boiled chana dal to the mixture of kadai from the pressure cooker.
Step 15) Mix the chana dal properly and fry it properly.
Step 16) After the dal is fried properly add some water to it to make the dal to the semi thick consistency.
Step 17) Add sugar as required which is as per choice and preference.
Step 18) Add chopped green chillies and let the chana dal boil. Do not overcook the dal.
Step 19) Add 1 teaspoon of garam masala and mix it properly after the dal is prepared.
Step 20) Serve the hot chana daal with one teaspoon of ghee.
Step 21) Adjust the salt as required if needed.
Step 22) Serve your delicious chana dal recipe with kulcha luchi, naan, paratha, roti, etc.
Expert tips and advice
* Use the pressure cooker-To boil the chana dal always try to use a pressure cooker as it gets boiled properly with a very good texture.
* Soaking time-Soak the chana dal for at least 30 mins which will make the dal softer and the cooking time will be reduced.
* Balance the spice-As per the taste and preferences try to adjust the spices properly as per your choice.
* Consistency of the dal –See that the dal must be semi-thick but neither too thin nor thick. You can add extra water if it becomes too thick. If it becomes too thin you can boil it to bring it as semi-thick.
* Garnish as per your choice you can garnish the chana dal with cucumber, onion, and chaat masala. Also, you can add coriander leaves as per your taste and choice before serving.
FAQs
Can I add vegetables to chana dal?
Yes, you can add vegetables like tomatoes, onion, spinach, and potatoes to enhance the nutritional value, I have used some vegetables in my recipe.
Is Chana Dal healthy?
Yes, chana dal is very nutritious due to its protein, fiber, vitamins, mineral content, etc.
What can I serve with Chana Dal?
You can serve chana dal with rice, naan, roti, bread, kulcha, etc.
How many days can I store the leftover chana dal?
You can store the chana dal for a maximum of 3 to 4 days and reheat it before serving.
***Thank you***