Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Heat Oil and Add Whole Spices

   Heat 2-3 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan. Once hot, add 2-3 bay leaves, a 1-inch cinnamon stick, and 2-3 cloves. Sauté for a few seconds until the spices become fragrant.

2. 2.Cook Onion Paste

   Add 1 cup of onion paste to the pan. Stir continuously and cook the onion paste for 5-7 minutes until it starts to turn golden brown and the raw smell disappears.

3. 3.Continue Browning Onion

   Add about 1/4 cup of water to the onion paste to prevent it from burning and to help it cook evenly. Continue stirring and cooking until the onion paste turns a deep golden brown and the oil begins to separate from the mixture, which should take another 3-5 minutes.

4. 4.Add Tomato Paste

   Add 1/2 cup of tomato paste to the pan. Mix well with the onion mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes until the raw smell of tomatoes disappears and the oil starts to separate again.

5. 5.Incorporate Ginger-Garlic Paste

   Add 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste to the pan. Stir thoroughly and cook for 1 minute until its raw aroma fades.

6. 6.Simmer Base Gravy

   Cover the pan with a lid and let the gravy simmer for 1 minute on low heat to allow the flavors to meld. Then, uncover and give it a good stir.

7. 7.Add Dry Spices

   Add 1 teaspoon of red chilli powder, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 tablespoon of coriander powder, 1 teaspoon of salt (or to taste), and 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala to the gravy. Mix the spices thoroughly with the onion-tomato mixture.

8. 8.Cook Spices and Add Water

   Cook the spices for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the raw spice smell is gone and the oil separates. Add a small amount of water (about 1/4 cup) to prevent the spices from burning and to form a smooth gravy base.

9. 9.Add Boiled Chana Dal

   Add 1.5 cups of pre-boiled chana dal to the gravy. Mix well, ensuring that the dal is thoroughly coated with the masala.

10. 10.Adjust Consistency and Simmer

    Add 1-1.5 cups of water to achieve the desired gravy consistency. Bring the curry to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pan and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes on low heat to allow the dal to absorb the flavors.

11. 11.Garnish and Serve

    Uncover the pan, give the curry a final stir, and garnish with 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped coriander leaves. Serve the Homestyle Chana Dal Masala hot with roti, naan, or rice.