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A comforting and protein-rich North Indian lentil curry made from split chickpeas. This flavorful dal is perfectly spiced and finished with a fragrant tempering of ghee and spices, making it a perfect side for roti or rice.
For 4 servings
Cook the Chana Dal
Prepare the Masala Base
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A comforting and protein-rich North Indian lentil curry made from split chickpeas. This flavorful dal is perfectly spiced and finished with a fragrant tempering of ghee and spices, making it a perfect side for roti or rice.
This north_indian recipe takes 50 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 338 calories per serving with 12.23g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Combine and Simmer
Prepare the Final Tempering (Tadka)
Garnish and Serve
For a tangy, rustic flavor, add 1/2 tsp of amchur (dry mango powder) along with the garam masala. Using mustard oil for the initial masala also imparts a classic dhaba-style pungency.
Add 2 cups of finely chopped fresh spinach to the masala after the tomatoes have cooked down. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts, then proceed with adding the cooked dal.
For a richer and creamier texture, stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or cashew cream into the dal just before adding the final tempering.
Omit the onion and garlic. You can increase the amount of ginger and tomatoes slightly. The role of hing (asafoetida) becomes even more important for flavor in this version.
Chana dal is a fantastic source of protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans.
The high fiber content aids in digestion, prevents constipation, and promotes a feeling of fullness, which can help with weight management.
Being low in fat and rich in fiber and potassium, chana dal helps in managing cholesterol levels and maintaining healthy blood pressure, contributing to cardiovascular well-being.
Chana dal has a low glycemic index, which means it releases sugar into the bloodstream slowly, helping to prevent sharp spikes in blood sugar levels.
Yes, Chana Dal Fry is very healthy. It is an excellent source of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and folate. It's naturally gluten-free and low in fat, making it a nutritious meal.
A typical serving of Chana Dal Fry (approximately 1 cup or 325g) contains around 300-350 calories, depending on the amount of oil and ghee used. It's a balanced dish providing carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.
Absolutely. You can cook the soaked dal in a regular pot on the stovetop. It will take significantly longer, about 60-90 minutes, for the dal to become tender. Ensure you add enough water and stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking.
This can happen for a few reasons. The most common is insufficient soaking time. Old or expired dal can also take much longer to cook. Lastly, adding acidic ingredients like tomatoes or lemon juice to the dal while it's cooking can prevent it from softening; always add them later to the masala.
Yes, this dal freezes beautifully. Cool it completely, transfer it to freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop, adding a little water to adjust the consistency. You can even add a fresh, small tadka after reheating to revive the flavors.