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Chana Dal Recipe Dhaba Style

Chana Dal Recipe Dhaba Style

Chanadal, also known as split gram, is a popular dish in Indian cuisine. It is a delicious and nutritious lentil curry that is rich in protein and fiber.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 7
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups water
  • 4¾ cups chana dal
  • 7 tablespoons ghee or oil
  • 3 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 3½ small onions
  • 3½ green chili chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3½ medium tomato
  • 1¾ tablespoons salt
  • 1 tablespoons turmeric powder
  • 1 tablespoons Kashmiri red chili powder
  • 1¾ tablespoons garam masala
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • 3½ tablespoons lemon (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare Chana Dal:
    First, wash Chana Dal under water. Soak it in water for at least 30 minutes. Drain the water before cooking.
  • Cook the chickpeas:
     Add soaked chana dal and 3 cups of water to the pressure cooker. Cook for 3-4 whistles until the dal becomes soft. If using a pot, lower the heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes until the dal is soft. Add more water if needed.
  • Prepare tempering (Tadaka):
    In a medium pot, heat ghee or oil on low heat. Add cumin and mustard. Keep stirring for 1 minute. Add chopped onions, green chilies, ginger, and garlic to it. Fry till the onion turns brown.
  • Add tomatoes and masala
    Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and continue cooking until the masala is done. Once the masala is done, stir in turmeric powder, cumin, coriander, red chili powder, and salt. Continue to cook for a few minutes until the spices are well combined and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
  • Combine the dal and tempering
    Pour the boiled chana dal into the seasoning pot. Mix well with a spoon and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes so that the flavors blend together. Add water if needed.
  • Finally, serve
    Add garam masala and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Turn off the heat and add lemon juice. Garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves.
  • Serve:
    You can serve chana dal with rice or roti.

Notes

Adjust the thickness of the dal by adding more or less water as per your preference.
You can increase the spice level according to your serving.
You can add vegetables like spinach, carrots, or peas to it for extra protein.
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