Go Back
–+ servings
A dish is served in a plate

Chana Dal Recipe

Chana Dal is a popular Indian dish made from split chickpeas, cooked with spices, onions, and tomatoes. It’s typically seasoned with ingredients like cumin, turmeric, and garam masala, resulting in a flavorful, hearty meal. Often served with rice or flatbreads, Chana Dal is nutritious, rich in protein, and is a staple in many Indian households.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course DAL
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4
Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients
  

Ingredients

  • 1 Cup Chana Dal (split Bengal gram)
  • 3 Cup Water
  • 1 Medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 Tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
  • 1 Inch piece ginger, minced
  • 4 Garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 Green chilies, slit
  • 1 teaspoon Garam masala
  • 2 tablespoon Ghee or oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Preparing the Dal

  • Rinse the Chana Dal thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear.
  • After that, soak the dal in water for at least 30 minutes to an hour.

Cooking the Dal

  • Once soaked, drain the water and transfer the Chana Dal to a pressure cooker.
  • Add 3 cups of fresh water, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt.
  • Pressure cook the dal for 4-5 whistles on medium heat.

Preparing the Tadka

  • While the dal is cooking, in the meantime, heat ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat.
  • Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds. Then, add the chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown.

Adding the Spices

  • Add the chopped tomatoes and green chilies. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
  • Next, add red chili powder, coriander powder, and a bit of salt. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Combining the Dal and Tadka

  • Open the pressure cooker once the pressure releases naturally. In case the dal is too thick, you can add a little water to achieve the desired consistency.
  • Pour the cooked dal into the pan with the tadka, stirring to combine everything well. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes on low heat so that the flavors meld together perfectly.

Final Touches

  • Add garam masala to the dal and give it a final stir. If you like, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice for a slight tang.
  • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves just before serving.

Notes

Variations

    • For a healthy twist, cook Chana Dal with spinach or other greens. I remember my mom making this for me as a kid, and it always felt like a comforting, nutritious meal.
    • Add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or bottle gourd for extra flavor and texture. My grandmother often made it this way—every bite had a mix of softness and crunch!
    • Chana Dal can be added to curries or stews. I love adding it to a mixed vegetable curry for a hearty, filling meal.
    • For a crispy twist, try Chana Dal Fry, where the dal is tempered and cooked until crispy. My dad loves this version—it’s dry, flavorful, and perfect with roti!

Pro Tips 

Achieving the Right Consistency 
    • To get the perfect consistency, adjust the water ratio and simmering time. Too much water makes it watery, and too little makes it thick. I always remember my mom saying, “Patience is key when cooking dal!”
Balancing Spices 
    • For the right spice level, start with cumin, turmeric, and garam masala, then adjust based on your preference—mild or spicy. My dad loves a little extra chili powder, but I prefer it milder!
Cooking Time Tips 
    • Soaked dal cooks faster, while unsoaked dal takes a bit longer. Be careful not to overcook or undercook—I learned this the hard way after making too many mushy dals as a kid!
How to Avoid Mushy Dal 
    • To avoid mushy dal, don’t over-soak and avoid stirring too frequently while cooking. My mom always said, “Let the dal cook gently on its own!”

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Chana Dal Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
280
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
7
g
11
%
Saturated Fat
 
3
g
19
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
3
g
Sodium
 
350
mg
15
%
Potassium
 
600
mg
17
%
Carbohydrates
 
45
g
15
%
Fiber
 
10
g
42
%
Sugar
 
3
g
3
%
Protein
 
14
g
28
%
Vitamin A
 
500
IU
10
%
Vitamin B1
 
0.4
mg
27
%
Vitamin B2
 
0.1
mg
6
%
Vitamin B3
 
2
mg
10
%
Vitamin B5
 
0.5
mg
5
%
Vitamin B6
 
0.2
mg
10
%
Vitamin C
 
15
mg
18
%
Vitamin E
 
1
mg
7
%
Vitamin K
 
5
µg
5
%
Calcium
 
40
mg
4
%
Iron
 
3
mg
17
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!