Saturday, April 14, 2007

Chana Dal

This dal is comes under the "comfort food" category for me. Ma used to make Chana Dal as a treat if we did something great and so I have very happy memories associated with this Dal. Her cooking has a lot of influence of Uttar Pradesh, since she spent her formative years there. It is a very simple recipe where Ginger and Garlic enhance the slightly nutty flavor of the Dal.
Ma would cook the dal for about 2 hours, but I don't have that kind of patience, so I cooked the dal in the pressure cooker. Served with rice or Paratha this is like heaven for the taste buds. Try it, and you will not be disappointed.
Nutrition Info : Chana dal has a low glycemic index so it is good for Diabetics. It is also high in fibre, protein and Zinc.

1 cup Chana dal, cleaned
1" ginger, sliced thin
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1/4 tsp garam masala powder
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp red chilli powder (you can increase the amount, depending upon your heat comfort)
1 tsp ghee
Salt to taste
Chopped coriander for garnish
Cook the dal + 2 cups water + ginger + turmeric + salt in a pressure cooker till done. Release the steam, remove the cooker cover and on low flame cook for a couple of minutes. Remove from heat and keep aside.
Heat ghee in a small pan and add cumin seeds + garlic. Cook for a minute and add the garam masala powder + red chilli powder. Mix well and pour on the cokked dal. Add the chopped coriander leaves, mix well and cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes. (You can add a little water if the dal is thick). Serve hot with Rice / Paratha and a serving of cool Raita. Enjoy !

7 comments:

FH said...

Looks good Sangeeta.I love the way the dal is still almost whole YUM!

Richa said...

chana dal looks good, It is true, cooking dal for such a long time enhances it's taste (meethas).
thanks

TNL said...

This daal tastes so good with Parathas or Bhaturas, doesn't it? I don't need any other sabzi with this.... ;)

trupti

bee said...

that's one of the best looking dals i have seen.

musical said...

Simple pleasures of life.....this daal is one of them. Can just drink it up.....

sunita said...

The dal looks so nice...wee love chana dal...

Sharmi said...

hi Sangeeta, nice simple recipe. I always use thoor dal, but this is new and will try out sometime. nice blog!!

cheers
sharmi