Simple Chana Dal Recipe: Flavorful Indian Lentil Curry
30 minutes
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About Simple Chana Dal Recipe: Flavorful Indian Lentil Curry
This simple Chana Dal recipe delivers a vibrant and flavorful Indian lentil curry perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The combination of chana dal (split chickpeas), onions, tomatoes, and aromatic spices creates a hearty and satisfying dish.Easy to make and endlessly adaptable, this recipe is a staple in many Indian households. Serve it with your favorite Indian bread like roti, naan, or puri for a complete and comforting meal. The savory taste and simple ingredients make it a delicious and healthy choice.Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is a must-try for anyone wanting to explore the delicious world of Indian cuisine.
Recipe Time & More
Prep15 minutes
Cook15 minutes
Total30 minutes
Ingredients
Spices & Aromatics
- 1 tsp Turmeric Powder haldi
- 1/2 tsp Chili Powder red
- 1/2 tsp Garam Masala
- 1 tsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
- 1 tsp Salt adjust to taste
- 1 Chili finely chopped, green
Legumes & Grains
- 1 cup Split Chickpea split chickpeas, soaked for at least 1 hour
Liquid
- 2 cup Water may need more depending on desired consistency
Instructions
Prepare the Aromatics
- Sauté the finely chopped onions in oil until light brown. Add the diced tomatoes and cook until softened.
Add Spices and Lentils
- Stir in the ginger-garlic paste, green chili, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Simmer the Dal
- Add the soaked chana dal and cook on low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the dal to slightly brown.
Pressure Cook or Simmer
- Add 2 cups of water (or more as needed for desired consistency). Pressure cook for 3 whistles (or simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the dal is tender).
Serve
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with roti, naan, or puri.
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for the Best Chana Dal
- Soaking is Key: Soaking the chana dal for at least an hour (or even overnight) significantly reduces cooking time and improves texture.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of red chili powder to control the spice level to your preference. Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) for extra flavor.
- Creamy Consistency: For a creamier dal, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the cooked dal before serving.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice add brightness and freshness to the dish.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 182kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 12gFat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.6gSodium: 855mgFiber: 8gSugar: 3g
4 Comments
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Absolutely mouthwatering! Thanks for sharing.
Absolutely delicious! Can’t wait to try it.
Looks so yummy! Excited to make it.
Absolutely fantastic! Thanks for the recipe.