If you’re looking for a quick, wholesome, and flavorful dish to add to your meal rotation, look no further than urad chana dal. This dish combines the rich flavors of urad dal (black gram) and chana dal (Bengal gram) for a satisfying and nutritious option. Let’s dive into how to prepare this delightful dish!
What You’ll Need
For this recipe, you’ll need just a few basic ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Urad dal: 1.5 cups, thoroughly washed.
- Chana dal: 0.5 cups, adds a nice texture and flavor.
- Water: Approximately 4 cups for cooking.
- Salt: To taste (2 tablespoons recommended).
- Turmeric powder: 1 tablespoon.
- Red chili powder: 1 tablespoon.
- Cooking oil: A splash for the tempering.
- Ghee or oil: 2 tablespoons for tempering at the end.
- Cumin seeds: For tempering.
- Garam masala: To taste.
Cooking the Dal
Start by rinsing the urad dal and chana dal until the water runs clear. This step is crucial to ensure that your dal is free from impurities.
Next, in a pressure cooker, combine the washed dal with about 4 cups of water. If you prefer a specific water ratio, a good rule of thumb is to add water up to your fingertip level above the dal.
Now, add salt according to the ratio—2 tablespoons for this quantity of dal is generally a good measure. Then, add turmeric and red chili powder. These spices will not only provide flavor but also enhance the color of the dal.
Next, drizzle in a little cooking oil before sealing the pressure cooker. This oil helps in cooking the dal evenly. Cook for about 2 to 3 whistles on medium heat. After your first whistle, you can reduce the heat and let it simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes.
Checking the Consistency
After about 10 minutes, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. Once you open the cooker, check the consistency of your dal.
It should be soft and slightly thick. If it seems too thin, you can simmer it a bit longer without the lid on to reach your desired consistency. This method ensures that the dal retains its rich flavor.
Tempering the Dal
Now, it’s time to prepare the tempering, which adds a burst of flavor to your dish. In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee or oil. Once hot, add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
Next, add the red chili powder and coriander powder into the hot oil. This step allows the spices to bloom, releasing their essential oils and flavors. Mix well and immediately pour this tempering over your cooked dal.
Final Touches
Mix the tempering into your dal thoroughly. You can adjust salt and spices according to your taste at this stage. If you want, sprinkle some garam masala for an extra kick of flavor.
Let the dal simmer for a few more minutes on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Your urad chana dal is now ready to be served! This dish pairs wonderfully with:
- Steamed basmati rice or jeera rice.
- Indian bread like roti or naan.
- A side of vegetable curry or a simple salad like kachumber.
If you have leftovers, you can even use the dal as a filling for parathas, adding some extra spices to the dough for a flavorful twist!
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This urad chana dal recipe is not only quick and easy to make, but it’s also packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious choice for any meal. The combination of urad and chana dal creates a delightful texture that is satisfying and fulfilling. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce more legumes into your diet!
More Lentil Recipes to Explore
If you’re a fan of lentils, here are a few more recipes you might enjoy:
Give this urad chana dal recipe a try and let us know how it turns out for you! Enjoy your cooking, and until next time, take care!