Chana Dal

Chana Dal is a popular Indian dish made from split chickpeas (also known as Bengal gram). It's a nutritious and flavorful lentil dish commonly served with rice or roti. Ingredients:

• 1 cup chana dal (split chickpeas)
• 3 cups water
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise
• 1-inch piece of ginger, finely chopped
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
• Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse and Soak Chana Dal:

   • Rinse the chana dal under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the dal in enough water for at least 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2. Pressure Cook Chana Dal:

   • In a pressure cooker, add the soaked chana dal along with 3 cups of water. Pressure cook for about 4-5 whistles or until the dal is soft and cooked through. Allow the pressure to release naturally.

3. Prepare Tempering:

   • Heat oil or ghee in a large pan or kadhai over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Let them splutter.
   • Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

4. Add Aromatics:

   • Add slit green chilies, chopped ginger, and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.

5. Add Spices:

   • Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala powder to the pan. Stir well to combine with the onions and spices. Cook for another minute.

6. Add Tomatoes:

   • Add finely chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they turn soft and mushy, stirring occasionally.

7. Cook Dal:

   • Once the tomatoes are cooked, add the cooked chana dal to the pan. Mix well with the masala mixture.

8. Simmer:

   • Let the dal simmer for 5-10 minutes over low heat, allowing the flavors to blend together. If the dal is too thick, you can add a little water to adjust the consistency.

9. Season:

   • Season the dal with salt according to your taste preference. Mix well.

10. Garnish and Serve:

    • Garnish the Chana Dal with chopped fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
    • Serve hot Chana Dal with rice or roti. You can also squeeze some lemon juice on top before serving for extra freshness.

Enjoy this delicious and comforting Chana Dal as a hearty meal! Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.