Chana Dal (Authentic North Indian Recipe)

Step 1

Pick and rinse the chana dal well in running water.

Step 2

Soak the dal in enough water for an hour.

Step 3

Drain the lentils and add them to a 3 litre pressure cooker along with turmeric powder. Add 2.5 to 3 cups water and stir well.

Step 4

On a high flame, pressure cook the lentils for 10 to 11 minutes or for 7 to 8 whistles or more, till the dal is softened and well cooked.

Step 5

Keep the cooked chana dal aside.

Step 6

In another pan, heat oil or ghee.

Step 7

Add the cumin first and fry for a few seconds till they splutter.

Step 8

Then add the garlic and fry till they become light brown.

Step 9

Now add the onions and fry till they get golden.

Step 10

Now add the tomatoes, ginger and green chili.

Step 11

Stir and add all the dry spice powders - turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala powder, asafoetida, dry mango powder and coriander powder.

Step 12

Saute till the tomatoes get cooked and the oil starts to leave the side of the mixture.

Step 13

Add the kasoori methi and stir.

Step 14

Pour the cooked chana dal along with its stock to the sauteed masala mixture or vice versa. season with salt.

Step 15

Stir and simmer the dal for 6 to 8 minutes till you get medium consistency of the dal. The chana dal is neither thick nor thin.

Step 16

Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

Step 17

Serve the chana dal hot with some basmati rice or roti or bread.