Simple Chana Dal Recipe: Flavorful Indian Lentil Curry

30 minutes

1282 reads

4.25 from 4 votes

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.
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Recipe Time & More

Prep15 minutes
Cook15 minutes
Total30 minutes
Calories182 kcal
Serves4
Served AsLunch

Ingredients
 

Spices & Aromatics

Vegetables

Legumes & Grains

Liquid

  • 2 cup Water may need more depending on desired consistency

Garnish

  • Coriander fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tbsp Oil vegetable oil or ghee
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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.

Please appreciate the author by voting!

4.25 from 4 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 182kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 12gFat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.6gSodium: 855mgFiber: 8gSugar: 3g

Anju Bhagnari
Anju Bhagnari
Articles: 140
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4 Comments

4.25 from 4 votes

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