Chana Dal Recipe

Check out my recipe for Chana Dal - a hearty, flavourful Indian dish made from split chickpeas. Perfect for a nutritious meal or a comforting side.

Prep Time10

Cook Time40

Soaking time2

Total Time2 50

Servings:

Calories: 431kcal

Wash the chana dal thoroughly until the water runs clear. Soak the chana dal in 2 cups of water for about 2-3 hours.
In the meantime preheat the oven to 392℉ (200℃). Place the diced peppers and sweet potato on a baking tray, drizzling them with oil and a touch of salt. Allow them to bake for 15-20 minutes and then set them aside.
In a large saucepan, heat some oil or ghee over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions, letting them cook until they soften, which should take around 5 minutes. Follow this with the minced garlic, allowing it to cook for an additional minute.
Next, incorporate the cumin seeds, curry leaves, and the Chana Dal Masoor spice blend into the mix, letting them cook for another minute. To this mixture, pour in the vegetable stock and get it to a boil. As the broth forms, reduce the heat, adding the chickpeas and Chana Dal, letting everything simmer for 20-25 minutes or until Chana Dal is al dente. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add some water to adjust the consistency.
Once the lentils are ready, integrate the diced tomatoes, roasted peppers, and sweet potato, letting them cook for about 5 more minutes. As a finishing touch, fold in the fresh spinach until it wilts, followed by the chopped coriander, lime juice, lime zest, and a salt to your taste.
For the perfect meal, serve this hot with rice or bread of choice, sprinkling some ground coriander on top and a fresh lime juice drizzle to elevate the flavours. Enjoy!

Making your own Masala - As a chef, I highly recommend investing in a small and inexpensive grinder to grind your own spices for the freshest and most aromatic masala blends for your curries. Store-bought spice blends can contain additives and preservatives, and often lose their potency over time. By grinding your own spices, you can control the quality and freshness of the ingredients, leading to more flavourful and aromatic dishes. Give it a try and taste the difference for yourself. Your taste buds will thank you!