Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Roast Chana Dal and Spices

   Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan. Add 1/4 cup of chana dal and roast it on medium-low flame, stirring continuously. Once the dal starts to change color, add 2-3 dried red chillies and a few curry leaves. Continue roasting until the chana dal is golden brown and aromatic. Turn off the flame and let the mixture cool down completely.

2. 2.Grind Chutney Paste

   Transfer the cooled roasted chana dal mixture to a mixer grinder jar. Add 1/2 cup of grated coconut, 2 green chillies, a small piece of tamarind, salt as per taste, and 1/2 cup of water. Grind all the ingredients to a fine, smooth paste. If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add a little more water.

3. 3.Prepare Tempering

   In a small tempering pan (kadai), heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, add 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then, add a few curry leaves, 1 teaspoon of urad dal, and 1-2 dried red chillies (broken into pieces). Sauté until the urad dal turns golden brown and the spices are fragrant.

4. 4.Combine and Serve

   Pour the hot tempering over the prepared chutney in the serving bowl. Mix it gently. The Chana Dal Chutney is now ready to be served. Enjoy it with idli, dosa, vada, or any other South Indian delicacy.