18 Best Indian Chana Dal Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 28, 2024
Chana dal, also known as split Bengal gram, is a popular ingredient in Indian cuisine. This flavorful and nutrient-packed lentil has been a staple in Indian households for centuries and is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. In this article, we will be sharing the best Indian chana dal recipe that will surely satisfy your taste buds and make your meal more enjoyable.
Main Ingredients: Chana Dal, Salt, Cinnamon Stick, Red Chili, Jeera
Masala Vada, also known as South Indian Chana Dal Vada, is a popular snack in Southern India. It is made with a mixture of chana dal, onions, spices, and herbs, and then deep-fried to crispy perfection. This savory snack is perfect for any occasion and is best enjoyed with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
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South Indian Fish Curry, Meen Kulambu, Fish Pulusu
Main Ingredients: Fish, Rice, Jeera, Fenugreek Seeds, Chana Dal, Oil
Fish curry, also known as Meen Kulambu or Fish Pulusu, is a staple dish in South Indian cuisine. It is a spicy and tangy curry made with a variety of fish, tamarind, coconut, and a blend of spices. This dish is typically served with steamed rice and is a must-try for seafood lovers.
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Crispy Indian Crepes
Main Ingredients: Parboiled Rice, Urad Dal, Poha, Chana Dal, Fenugreek
Crispy Indian Crepes, also known as dosas, are a popular South Indian breakfast option. The batter for these crepes is made with a mixture of rice and lentils, and they are cooked until crispy and golden brown. Dosas can be filled with a variety of savory fillings such as potatoes, onions, and spices, making them a versatile and delicious meal option.
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Indian Lemon Rice With Turmeric (Instant Pot)
Main Ingredients: Basmati Rice, Cooking Oil, Chana Dal, Urad Dal
Indian Lemon Rice, also known as Nimbu Chawal, is a simple yet flavorful dish that can be made in an Instant Pot. This dish is made with rice, lemon juice, and turmeric, giving it a vibrant yellow color and a tangy taste. It is a great accompaniment to any curry or can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal.
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Easy Lemon Rice | Easy South Indian Lemon Rice
Main Ingredients: Basmati Rice, Peanuts, Cashew Nuts, Green Chillies
Easy Lemon Rice is a quick and delicious version of the classic South Indian dish. It is made with cooked rice, lemon juice, and a few spices, making it a simple yet flavorful meal option. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or as a make-ahead meal for a busy day.
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South Indian Coconut Rice
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Basmati Rice, Light Coconut Milk, Mustard
Coconut Rice is a popular South Indian dish that is made by cooking rice with coconut milk and a variety of spices. The coconut milk gives the rice a rich and creamy texture, while the spices add a burst of flavor. This dish is perfect for special occasions or as a side dish for any meal.
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South Indian Rava Upma
Main Ingredients: Semolina, Water, Small Onion, Mustard Seeds, Chana Dal
Rava Upma is a popular South Indian breakfast dish made with semolina, onions, and spices. It is a quick and easy meal that can be made in less than 20 minutes. This dish is often served with chutney or sambar and is a great option for a hearty and filling breakfast.
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South Indian Vegetable Bonda
Main Ingredients: Chana Dal, Water, Green Chili, Asafoetida Powder
Vegetable Bonda, also known as Veg Bonda, is a popular South Indian snack made with a mixture of vegetables, spices, and lentil flour. The mixture is then deep-fried to create crispy and flavorful fritters. These bondas are perfect for a rainy day snack or as an appetizer for parties and gatherings.
Masala Dosa is a popular South Indian breakfast dish that consists of a crispy crepe filled with a spicy potato filling. The batter for the crepe is made with a mixture of rice and lentils, and the filling is made with potatoes, onions, and spices. This dish is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the flavors of South Indian cuisine.
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Dal Paratha (Stuffed Indian Flat Bread)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Salt, Oil, Lukewarm Water, Chana
Dal Paratha is a delicious and filling Indian flatbread that is stuffed with a spiced lentil filling. The paratha is made with a mixture of whole wheat flour and lentil flour, giving it a unique and flavorful taste. This dish is perfect for breakfast or as a snack and can be enjoyed with chutney or pickle.
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Mutton Kofta Curry, Indian Meatball Curry
Main Ingredients: Mutton, Cloves, Cardamom, Black Pepper Corns, Canela
Mutton Kofta Curry, also known as Indian Meatball Curry, is a flavorful and aromatic dish made with tender mutton meatballs in a rich and creamy gravy. The meatballs are made with a blend of spices and herbs, and the gravy is made with a tomato and onion base. This dish is a must-try for meat lovers and is best served with rice or naan bread.
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Yellow Dal Tadka - Indian Lentil Soup
Main Ingredients: Moong Dal, Chana Dal, Toor Dal, Cloves, Onion
Yellow Dal Tadka, also known as Indian Lentil Soup, is a simple yet comforting dish that is packed with flavor. It is made with split yellow lentils, tempered with spices, and garnished with cilantro and lemon juice. This dish is perfect for a cold day or as a light and healthy meal option.
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South Indian Cabbage Dal, Cabbage Kootu
Main Ingredients: Cabbage, Pigeon Peas, Pink Lentils, Turmeric, Curry
Cabbage Dal, also known as Cabbage Kootu, is a popular South Indian dish made with a combination of cabbage and lentils. The dish is flavored with a blend of spices and coconut, giving it a unique and delicious taste. This dish is a great way to incorporate vegetables and lentils into your diet and is perfect for a weekday meal.
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Ellu Sadam / South Indian Sesame Rice
Main Ingredients: Chana Dal, Urad Dal, Red Chillies, White Sesame Seeds
Ellu Sadam, also known as South Indian Sesame Rice, is a delicious and flavorful rice dish that is made with a mixture of sesame seeds, spices, and rice. The sesame seeds give the dish a nutty and crunchy texture, while the spices add a burst of flavor. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy meal and can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of vegetables or curry.
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Indian Coconut Rice-Thengai Sadam
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Black Mustard Seeds, Urad Dal, Chana
Indian Coconut Rice, also known as Thengai Sadam, is a simple and delicious rice dish that is made with rice, coconut, and a blend of spices. The coconut gives the rice a rich and creamy texture, while the spices add a burst of flavor. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy meal and can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish for any curry or vegetable dish.
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Egg Bhurji – Spicy Indian Scrambled Egg
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Onion, Tomato, Turmeric Powder, Red Chili Powder
Egg Bhurji, also known as Spicy Indian Scrambled Egg, is a popular and flavorful dish made with scrambled eggs, onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. It is a quick and easy meal option that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This dish is best served with bread or roti and is a must-try for egg lovers.
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South Indian Lemon Rice / Nimbu Chawal
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Lemon Juice, Mustard Seeds, Chana Dal
South Indian Lemon Rice, also known as Nimbu Chawal, is a simple yet flavorful dish that is made with cooked rice, lemon juice, and a few spices. The lemon juice gives the rice a tangy and refreshing taste, making it a perfect accompaniment to any curry or as a light meal on its own. This dish is a popular choice for picnics and potlucks due to its ease of preparation and delicious taste.
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Instant Oats Paniyaram | Indian Oatss
Main Ingredients: Quick Cooking Oats, Sooji, Curd, Chana Dal, Onion
Instant Oats Paniyaram, also known as Indian Oats, is a healthy and delicious version of the traditional South Indian snack. The batter for these paniyarams is made with a combination of oats, yogurt, and spices, and then cooked in a special pan until golden brown. These paniyarams make for a great breakfast or snack option and are a perfect way to incorporate oats into your diet.
Peanut Rice, also known as South Indian Peanut Rice, is a flavorful and crunchy rice dish that is made with peanuts, spices, and rice. The peanuts add a nutty and crunchy texture, while the spices give the dish a burst of flavor. This dish is perfect for a lunchbox or as a quick and easy meal option.
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One-Pot Indian Coconut Rice Bowl
Main Ingredients: Cooking Oil, Mustard Seeds, Urad Dal, Chana Dal, Green
One-Pot Indian Coconut Rice Bowl is a delicious and healthy meal option that is packed with flavor and nutrients. It is made with a variety of vegetables, rice, and coconut milk, and is cooked in one pot, making clean-up a breeze. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight or as a make-ahead meal for a busy day.
Health Benefits of Chana Dal
Chana dal is not only delicious but also loaded with health benefits. It is a rich source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. This lentil is also low in calories and has a low glycemic index, making it an ideal choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight or manage diabetes. Chana dal is also rich in antioxidants, which can help boost your immune system and protect your body against diseases. With so many health benefits, it's no wonder chana dal is a staple in Indian cuisine.
Ingredients for the Best Indian Chana Dal Recipe
To make the best Indian chana dal, you will need:
1 cup of chana dal
2 cups of water
1 tablespoon of ghee or oil
1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
1 onion, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
1 teaspoon of coriander powder
1 teaspoon of garam masala
Salt to taste
Instructions to Make the Best Indian Chana Dal Recipe
1. Rinse the chana dal in water and soak it for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a pressure cooker, add the soaked chana dal and 2 cups of water.
3. Pressure cook for 3-4 whistles or until the dal is soft and tender.
4. In a pan, heat ghee or oil and add cumin seeds.
5. Once the cumin seeds start to splutter, add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
6. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
7. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute.
8. Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt to taste.
9. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes.
10. Add the cooked chana dal to the pan and mix well.
11. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.
12. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or roti.
Conclusion
This easy and delicious Indian chana dal recipe is a must-try for all food lovers. The combination of spices and flavors in this dish will leave you wanting more. Not only is it delicious, but it's also packed with nutrients and has numerous health benefits. So why not give this recipe a try and add some Indian flair to your next meal?
