A flavorful and nutritious dish made with chana dal, spices, and sautéed vegetables, perfect for a comforting meal.

Chana Dal Fry recipe
Prep Time
15min
Cook Time
30min
Total Time
45min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 cup)

Main Ingredients

  • Chana Dal
    Chana Dal
    1cup
  • water
    water
    2 1/2cups
  • turmeric powder
    turmeric powder
    1tbsp
  • mustard oil
    mustard oil
    1tbsp
  • large onions
    large onions
    2
  • jeera
    jeera
    1tbsp
  • dried red chilli
    dried red chilli
    1
  • ginger
    ginger
    1tbsp
  • garlic
    garlic
    1tbsp
  • medium green chillies
    medium green chillies
    2
  • medium tomato
    medium tomato
    1
  • coriander powder
    coriander powder
    1tbsp
  • jeera powder
    jeera powder
    1/2tbsp
  • Kashmiri red chilli powder
    Kashmiri red chilli powder
    1tbsp
  • chopped coriander
    chopped coriander
    1tbsp

How to make Chana Dal Fry

Preparation of Dal

  1. Step 1

    Soak the chana dal for 10-15 minutes.

  2. Step 2

    In a pressure cooker, add the soaked dal, water, salt, turmeric powder, and mustard oil.

  3. Step 3

    Cook for 5-8 whistles.

Cooking the Masala

  1. Step 1

    In a kadhai, add mustard oil and heat it.

  2. Step 2

    Add jeera and dried red chilli.

  3. Step 3

    Add the chopped onions and sauté for 5 minutes.

  4. Step 4

    Add the chopped ginger, garlic, and green chillies, and sauté for another 5 minutes.

  5. Step 5

    Add the chopped tomato and cook for 8-10 minutes.

  6. Step 6

    Add salt, coriander powder, jeera powder, and Kashmiri red chilli powder (optional).

  7. Step 7

    Cook this mixture for 5-8 minutes.

Final Steps

  1. Step 1

    Add the cooked dal to the masala and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.

  2. Step 2

    Add the chopped coriander and cook for an additional 2-5 minutes.

  3. Step 3

    Serve hot.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

100.0kcal (5%)

Protein

6.3g (12.5%)

Carbs

15.0g (5.45%)

Sugars

1.3g (2.5%)

Healthy Fat

3.3g

Unhealthy Fat

0.5g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer green chillies according to your taste.

  2. You can use ghee instead of mustard oil for a richer flavor.

  3. Serve with rice or flatbreads for a complete meal.

FAQS

  1. How do I cook chana dal in a pressure cooker for the best results?

    To cook chana dal in a pressure cooker, soak the dal for 10-15 minutes to soften it. Then, add the soaked dal, 2.5 cups of water, salt, turmeric powder, and mustard oil to the cooker. Cook for 5-8 whistles for perfectly tender dal.

  2. What are some healthy substitutions for mustard oil in chana dal fry?

    If you're looking for a healthier alternative to mustard oil in chana dal fry, you can use olive oil or coconut oil. Both options will add a different flavor profile while keeping the dish nutritious.

  3. Can I store leftover chana dal fry, and how long does it last?

    Yes, you can store leftover chana dal fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture.

  4. What can I serve with chana dal fry for a complete meal?

    Chana dal fry pairs wonderfully with steamed basmati rice, roti, or naan. You can also serve it with a side of cucumber salad or pickles to enhance the meal's flavors.

  5. Is chana dal fry suitable for a vegan diet?

    Yes, chana dal fry is suitable for a vegan diet as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that the oil used is plant-based, like mustard oil or olive oil, to keep it fully vegan.

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