Chana Dal Recipe, the Hindi term for Bengal gram lentils or black chickpeas lentils, is a simple dal recipe made in every house in different variations. Chana Ki dal is not a curry or soup but a flavorful, delicious saucy consistency that goes well with roti, paratha, or basmati rice.The chana dal has many health benefits - full of proteins, zinc, high fiber, and a good source of calcium. It is good to include it in our daily diet. It is an excellent option for those who are on low carbs, diabetic, and prefer vegetarian food. This recipe has added no onion, garlic, or tomato, prepared with a handful of spices, a simple recipe full of flavors.I share the steps to make this chana dal recipe in a cooker, but you can entirely make this on a stove in a pan or on an instant pot.
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time10 minutesmins
Soaking Time30 minutesmins
Total Time50 minutesmins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: chana dal masala, chana dal recipe, chana ki dal, how to make chana dal, sindhi chana dal
Servings: 4people
Ingredients
¾cupChana Dal
3tbspOil
2tbsp2 green chili, ½ inch ginger, fresh coriander paste
1tbspTamarind
¼tspAsafoetida
¼tsp Turmeric Powder
¾tbspCoriander Powder
½tbspRed Chili Powder
1½tbspGram Flour
¼tsp Garam Masala
Salt as taste
1½cupsWater
Fresh Coriander
1tbspGhee
Instructions
Soak ¾ cup of chana dal for 30 minutes.
Take two green chilies, ½ inch of ginger, and some fresh coriander and grind them into a paste.
Add a little water to 1 tbsp of tamarind and soak for 5 minutes.
Add 3 tbsp of oil, and heat the oil. Add ¼ tsp of asafoetida, prepared paste, and saute for a few seconds.
Add ¾ tbsp of coriander powder, ½ tbsp of red chili powder, ¼ tsp of turmeric powder, and 1½ tbsp of gram flour. Mix all the ingredients well.
Add little water and mix it well. Cook for a few seconds.
Once the oil is released, add the soaked dal, salt per taste, ¼ tsp of garam masala, and the soaked tamarind mixture. Mix all the ingredients well.
Add 1½ cups of water.
Mix well and cover with the lid. Cook till three whistles.
Once the cooker releases pressure naturally, check if cooked well.
Garnish with some fresh coriander.
Add 1 tbsp of ghee, some fresh coriander, and a tomato ring(optional).
Serve hot with roti or paratha, salad, raita, or along with any vegetable.
Notes
Gram flour is added, depending on the quality. You may require extra water while sauteing gram flour and spices together.
Ensure you soak the chana dal for at least 30 minutes. Soaked chana dal cooks fast and tastes good. Also, soft chana dal is easy to digest.
This recipe is without onions and tomatoes; if you prefer, you can always while cooking or while garnishing.
Instead of tamarind, you can use ¼ tsp of mango powder. Tamarind enhances the taste better than mango powder.