Chana Dal Recipe - Indian Style
For Dal
For Gravy
For Tempering (Tadka)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow each step to make the recipe successfully.
Prepare the Chana Dal
Add 300g of chana dal to a pot. Add 600ml of water. Stir well. Cover the pot and cook for until the dal is softened.
Prepare the Gravy Base
In a separate pan, heat 50ml of olive oil. Add 1 tsp of cumin seeds, 1 tsp of crushed chillies, and 2 bay leaves. for a few minutes until fragrant.
Sauté Onions and Spices
Add 2 chopped onions to the pan and cook for a few minutes until they turn golden brown. Add 1 tsp of turmeric powder, 1 tsp of chilli powder, 1 tsp of garam masala, and 1 tsp of salt. Cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly.
Add Tomatoes
Add 2 tbsp of water to the spices and mix. Then add 2 chopped tomatoes and cook for until they soften and the mixture thickens.
Combine Dal and Gravy
Add the cooked chana dal to the gravy mixture. Stir well to combine.
Simmer the Dal
Add 300ml of water to the dal and gravy. Stir thoroughly. Cook for on medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld.
Add Coriander
Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped coriander.
Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
In a small separate pan, heat 50g of ghee. Add 1 tsp of cumin seeds and 2 tsp of chopped garlic. Cook until the garlic turns light golden. Add 1 tsp of chilli powder and cook for a few more seconds.
Finish the Dal
Pour the hot over the chana dal. Stir gently to incorporate the .
Serve
The Chana Dal is now ready to be served.
Before You Cook
Helpful details before you startIngredient SubstitutionsMissing something? View suitable alternatives.View 5 swaps
No Bay leaf?
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme (per leaf)
- Pinch of dried oregano
No Onion?
- 1 tbsp onion powder (per medium onion)
- 3 tbsp dried minced onion
- Shallots or leeks (1:1)
No Garam masala?
- 1 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1/4 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp cardamom
No Ghee?
- Unsalted butter (1:1)
- Neutral oil (1:1, lacks the toasted note)
No Garlic (fresh)?
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (per clove)
- 1/2 tsp garlic granules (per clove)
Your Notes
Save your personal tweaks, substitutions and cooking adjustments.
Saved only on this device.Example: Used less salt, cooked 5 minutes longer, added extra coriander.
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