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Uses of Chana Dal

12 Uses of Chana Dal

Chana dal is a split lentil, also known as baby chickpeas, which is very popular in Indian Cuisine. It is highly nutritious, delicious and is used in both sweet and savory recipes due to its rich taste and aroma. Moreover it can be used to make chutneys as well as be used as thickener in many recipes, showing how versatile it is.

Basic Chana Dal Recipe

1. Besan, a type of flour, is made by grinding up chana dal. This flour is gluten free and is mainly used to make batters for pakodas like onion pakoda or aloo pakoda, for making pancakes or chillas and to make the famous Besan ladoos.

Besan Laddoo

2. Chana dal is used all over India to make dals, curries and subzis. Maharashtrians eat the simple Palak Chana Dal while Sindhis make the wholesome Sai Bhaji. The Gujaratis eat it with bottle gourd in a Doodhi Chana Dal Subzi while the Assamese make a delicacy called Booter Dal. All of these can be accompanied with roti and rice to make whole meal.

Palak Chana Dal

3. It used to make a very famous Sindhi breakfast dish called Dal Pakwan which is a whole meal in itself.

Dal Pakwan, Sindhi Dal Pakwan Breakfast Recipe

4. Chana Dal is a very famous ingredient in many tikkis and pakodas, the most famous being the south Indian Dal Vada. Dal vada is flavored with onions, ginger and coconut which makes it a crowd pleaser.

Dal Vada

5. Many a times chana dal is added to rice delicacies for the slight crunch like in an Andhra style pulao or all in one meal – Chitranna Rice.

Chitranna Rice ( South Indian Recipes )

6. Chana Dal can also be stuffed into parathas to make something sweet or savory. Puran Poli is a Maharashtrian sweet roti stuffed with coconut, jaggery and chana dal which is had on festive occasions.

Puran Poli, Maharashtrian Puran Poli Recipe

7. South Indian cuisine is big on using chana dal in many of their food items, including chutneys.

Many chutneys from the south like the Mysore chutney and the Coconut thuyaval use chana dal in abundance.

Mysore Chutney

8. Along with other spices, chana dal is used to make curry powder and Rasam powder.

Roasted Chana Dal Chutney

9. Various sweets can also be made with chana dal.

The most famous one is besan ladoo, which is made with besan (Bengal gram flour) but you can use whole chana dal to make a delectable Chana dal halwa.

Chana Dal Halwa ( Indian Cooking)

10. You can make many snacks with chana dal. These snacks can be deep fried like Chana Dal puris or steamed like a Gujarati Mixed Dal Handvo.

Mixed Dal Handvo

11. It is fried or roasted, mixed with masala and served on the streets as Masala Chana Dal.

Fried Chana Dal, Savoury Jar Snack

This masala dal is further added to different street foods like Bhel puri and Sev puri.

12. Chana Dal is used as a tempering to add to Curd rice or some type of curries.

Dudhi and Chana Dal Sabzi

To know about Recipes using Chana Dal, check out our collection.

Uses Of Chana Dal

1. Besan Ladoo, Indian Mithai

besan ladoo recipe | besan ke ladoo | besan ladoo with step by step photos | with 20 amazing images. besan ladoo is one of the most popular mithai in Indian cuisine. It might be known by various names, but this delicious laddoos of spiced and sweetened besan is famous all over the country. besan ladoo are made and relished for festivals, family events and different occasions. Some people also serve besan ke ladoo as prasadam. All you need is patience while making besan ladoo, patience is the key. Ingredients used for making besan ladoo are simply available in every Indian household pantry. All you need to do to make besan ladoo is heat ghee in a non stick pan, once the ghee is hot. Add besan and keep stirring it continuously which will prevent it from burning. Do not strictly leave it unattended. You will need to roast the besan for 13-15 mins atleast. You will know the besan is cooked when the besan would turn golden brown and has a nice aroma. Further, transfer it in a plate and let it cool down. Once the mixture has come to room temperature, add sugar. Also, add coarsely grounded almonds which would give laddus a nutty taste and finally cardamom powder which would enhance the taste of it. Mix well and roll into laddoos. The finish of the laddoos should be shiny, which is an indication of perfectly cooked besan ladoo. When making this, remember that the rich flavour of the besan ladoo depends on how well you cook the besan. Under-cooking it will leave behind a raw taste, which will ruin the whole recipe. So, make sure you cook it well. The proportion of ghee and besan is also important as you might end up with a dry or very soft besan ladoo if it is not done right. Once you have the mix ready, take some in your palm, shape it into a round and keep rolling it in your hand till you get a smooth, lustrous, ghee-tinted texture on the surface. besan ladoo will look so irresistible at this stage that you would just want to pop it into your mouth! That’s when the laddoo is ready. If you liked this, you are sure to also enjoy other Traditional Indian Mithai recipes made from besan like Mysore Pak, Sweet Boondi and Mohanthal. Enjoy besan ladoo recipe | besan ke ladoo | besan ladoo with step by step photos | with detailed step by step photos and video below.

2. Palak Chana Dal, Healthy Zero Oil Spinach Chana Dal

palak chana dal recipe | healthy spinach chana dal | Indian chana dal palak | zero oil chana dal palak | with 28 amazing images. palak chana dal recipe | healthy spinach chana dal | Indian chana dal palak | zero oil chana dal palak is a nourishing dal – a must for vegetarians. Learn how to make healthy spinach chana dal. To make palak chana dal, combine the chana dal, salt, turmeric powder and ¾ cup of water in a pressure cooker, mix well and pressure cook for 2 whistles. Allow the steam to escape before opening the lid. Keep aside. Heat a deep non-stick pan on a medium flame and when hot, add the mustard seeds, curry leaves and asafoetida and dry roast for about 30 seconds or till the mustard seeds crackle. Lower the flame, add the green chilli and onions and dry roast till they turn light brown in colour. Sprinkle a little water if the onions start burning. Add the spinach and dry roast for 1 to 2 more minutes while stirring continuously. Add the cooked dal, jaggery, chilli powder and little salt and mix well. Add ½ cup of water, mix well and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. Serve hot. A Maharashtrian delight, tweaked to boost the health value! While palak adds vitamin A, iron and folate to this dish, chana dal adds protein, zinc and fibre. Indian chana dal palak is a sneak way of gaining many nutrients in one bowl. The perfectly cooked chana dal gives a pleasing mouthfeel which is enhanced by the addition of basic Indian spice powders like turmeric powder and chilli powder. Simple, yet enjoyable with chapati and a salad of your choice. All healthy individuals to weight wachers and even heart patients to diabetics can include this healthy spinach chana dal in their daily diet. While we have zero oil chana dal palak, if you wish you can temper the mustard seeds and green chilli in 1 tsp of oil. With the combination of palak and chana dal, you can also try a healthy non-fried snack – spinach and chana kebab. Tips for palak chana dal. 1. Soaking chana dal for ½ hour is important to reduce cooking time. 2. Ensure that you do not overcook chana dal, as each grain of dal should be separate and not mashed. 3. Spinach can be replaced with chopped fenugreek leaves. Enjoy palak chana dal recipe | healthy spinach chana dal | Indian chana dal palak | zero oil chana dal palak | with step by step photos.

3. Dudhi and Chana Dal Sabzi

dudhi and chana dal sabzi | lauki chana dal sabzi | bottle gourd chana dal curry | with 33 amazing images. This comforting Dudhi (bottle gourd) and Chana Dal Sabzi is a hearty and wholesome vegetarian dish. Learn how to make dudhi and chana dal sabzi | lauki chana dal sabzi | bottle gourd chana dal curry | lauki chana dal sabzi is a comforting and nutritious Indian dish featuring the subtle sweetness of lauki (bottle gourd) and the earthy flavor of chana dal (split chickpea). This simple yet delicious bottle gourd chana dal curry is prepared by sautéing onions, tomatoes, and spices, followed by adding the soaked chana dal and cubed lauki. The mixture is then pressure cooked until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. The bottle gourd cooks down to a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, perfectly complemented by the protein-rich Chana dal (split Bengal gram). The addition of finely chopped onions builds a flavorful base, while fragrant spices like cumin and turmeric add depth. This simple yet satisfying curry is perfect served with roti or rice, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal. dudhi and chana dal sabzi is a protein and fiber rich sabzi – to Tackle Obesity. protein and fibre are the nutrients which will boost your metabolism and give you a satiety value respectively to help in avoiding weight gain. Moreover, doodhi is a water-filled vegetable, so you make up on that key nutrient as well. For the weightwatcher reduce the oil content to 1 tsp and this Lauki Chana Dal Sabzi is sure to please your taste buds. pro tips to make dudhi chana dal sabzi: 1. Soaking the chana dal for at least 30 minutes to an hour shortens the cooking time and improves digestion. 2. Don't overcook the doodhi. You want it to be tender but retain a slight bite. 3. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the overall flavor profile and cuts through the richness of the dish. Enjoy dudhi and chana dal sabzi | lauki chana dal sabzi | bottle gourd chana dal curry | with detailed step by step photos.

4. Dal Pakwan, Sindhi Dal Pakwan Breakfast Recipe

dal pakwan recipe | Sindhi dal pakwan | Sindhi breakfast | with 16 amazing images. dal pakwan recipe is a popular Sindhi recipe and we show you how to make the dal and pakwan in detail steps. Visit a Sindhi family on a Sunday morning, and you are likely to be greeted by the aroma of Dal Pakwan being prepared for breakfast! Pakwan is a delicious snack, which is often served with dal to make a sumptuous breakfast. However, this tasty dal pakwan combo can be had any time, even as an after school treat for your kids. Let’s see how to make dal pakwan recipe. The dal here is a simple preparation of chana dal perked up with green chillies, cumin seeds and spice powders; while the pakwan is a deep-fried puri like snack made with a plain flour dough. Although pakwan appears to be like bhature, the addition of ghee and milk to the dough gives it an exclusive flavour and texture, which must be relished to be understood! I would like to suggest to some tips to make the perfect dal pakwan recipe. 1. The chana dal should be cooked properly but should not be mushy. The grains of the dal should hold their shape but should still be soft. This is very important to get the correct texture for Dal Pakwan. 2. Add turmeric powder to give a lovely yellow color to the Dal pakwan. Make dal pakwan and many more tasty chaat recipes like Khasta Kachori Chaat, Cheeslings Sukha Bhel, Broccoli and Cheese Tikkis in Pita Pocket and Moong Dahi Misal. Enjoy how to make dal pakwan recipe | Sindhi dal pakwan | Sindhi breakfast | with detailed step by step photos and video below.

5. Dal Vada, South Indian Chana Dal Vada, Masala Vada

dal vada recipe | chana dal vada | South Indian dal vada | paruppu vadai | with 25 amazing images You will love the exciting crispness of these delectable dal vadas. Made with a coarse paste of soaked chana dal perked up with onions, ginger paste and the whole traditional team of flavour enhancers and deep fried, these South Indian dal vadas have a unique, rustic texture and warm, hearty flavour that will strike a chord with most people. I would like to share some important tips to make chana dal vada. 1. Blend the chana dal to a coarse mixture without using any water. If required, once in between you can scrape the sides of the mixer jar and grind the mixture again. Try not to add water, as you will face difficulty in shaping the dal vada at a later stage. But if it is getting too problematic to grind, then add 1-2 tbsp of water. 2. Mix everything well and our paruppu vadai mixture is ready. Mixture should not be very moist or dry. If the mixture is too crumbly or too pasty then it would be difficult to make vadas from this mixture. If the mixture has turned crumbly, then grind it once again and if the mixture has turned pasty then add 1-2 tbsp of rice flour or besan to bind together all the ingredients. At this stage, you can taste the mixture and make the necessary changes in the flavour as per your liking. 3. Take care to deep-fry these South Indian dal vadas on a medium flame. Otherwise, they will quickly turn brown outside before they get cooked inside. These deep fried dal vadas are sure to satiate you in a tasteful way, have them for Evening Tea Snacks accompained with Green Chutney or Tomato Coconut Chutney. Enjoy dal vada recipe | chana dal vada | South Indian dal vada | paruppu vadai | with step by step photos below.

6. Gongura Pulihora Recipe, Andhra Style Pulao

Gojjus or pastes are a popular component of Andhra cuisine. These spicy pastes, made with a combination of greens, veggies and spices are sautéed with rice to make a quick, pulao like dish. It is part of their everyday cuisine. This particular Gongura Pulihora is made of rice mixed with a spicy paste of gongura leaves, which are very famous in Andhra Pradesh. These leaves have a naturally tangy flavour with a mild sourness, which when combined with red chillies and other spices makes a very flavourful paste. A traditional tempering that includes garlic gives this Gongura Pulihora a striking flavour, while cashews and peanuts give it an exciting crunch. Try this regional delicacy and you will make it a part of your kitchen too! You can also use gongura leaves with dal, like in Gongura Pappu .

7. Chitranna Rice ( South Indian Recipes )

chitranna rice | Karnataka chitranna rice | Karnataka nimbehannu chitranna | lemon rice | with 25 amazing images. This famous South Indian rice dish, chitranna rice is made by tempering cooked rice with traditional ingredients like mustard, dals and peanuts, perking it up with onions and coconut, and flavouring it with lemon juice. The crunch of peanuts, the flakiness of coconut and the tang of lemon juice ensure a good balance of texture and taste in Karnataka chitranna rice. You will surely enjoy this easy and convenient recipe. We have had many requests for Karnataka recipes and hence we made this famous Karnataka nimbehannu chitranna. chitranna rice is a very popular South Indian recipe, which is considered very auspicious and made on festival days as an offering to God. People don’t mind standing in long queues to get their share of Karnataka chitranna rice prasad at temples. Owing to the ease of making it and the convenience of being a one-dish vegetarian meal, chitranna rice is a popular choice for packed South Indian lunches too. The only difference is that you can add onions when making it casually and without onions for Karnataka chitranna rice prasad. I would like to share some important tips, points to make the perfect chitranna rice. 1. Wash around ¾ cup of rice few times and soak with enough water for half an hour. Washing helps in removing excess starch from the rice which eventually results into non-sticky grains. 2. Add oil while cooking the rice. Oil coats the rice grain helping us to achieve separate grains on cooking. 3. I have used raw peanuts in chitranna rice. You can replace peanuts with cashew nuts or use a combination of both. Enjoy chitranna rice | lemon rice | Karnataka chitranna rice | Karnataka nimbehannu chitranna | with detailed step by step photos.

8. Puran Poli, Maharashtrian Puran Poli Recipe

Maharashtrian puran poli recipe | puran poli | with 30 amazing images. Maharashtrian puran poli is eaten on festive occasions like Gudi Padwa and Holi where it is cooked by almost every Maharashtrian house. No festive menu in Maharashtra is complete without Maharashtrian puran poli! We show you how to make the puran poli mixture, dough for the puran poli and then how to make the Maharashtrian puran poli. Maharashtrian puran poli recipe is whole wheat flour polis with a succulent stuffing of cooked and sweetened chana dal are a delight to bite into, especially when they are hot and fresh off the tawa, resplendent with the rich aroma of ghee. You won’t need to use ghee to cook the Puran Poli, but it is a must to brush the poli with ghee after cooking and also to serve with another dollop of ghee! Enjoy the perfectly balanced sweetness and amazing texture of this traditional Maharashtrian delicacy. Maharashtrian puran poli is made normally for lunch and its very heavy to digest at night. At times the puran poli is dipped into a bowl of warm milk and enjoyed. During Holi, when a fire is lit up, a coconut and Maharashtrian puran poli are the traditional offerings to the goddess Holika. Gujarati Puran poli is made with toovar dal while Maharashtrian puran poli is made with chana dal. Adding nutmeg to Maharashtrian puran poli is a must for as it complements the taste of puran poli mixture. Tips to make Maharashtrian puran poli recipe. 1. Make sure the dal does not turn mushy at this stage. The chana dal should be cooked well and easily crushed between fingers. 2. The puran poli mixture should not have any grains of dal and should be dry enough. Learn to make Maharashtrian puran poli recipe | puran poli with step by step photos and video below.

9. Mysore Chutney, South Indian Mysore Chutney

Mysore chutney recipe | South Indian Mysore chutney | with 17 amazing images Kannada cuisine is generally marked by the moderate use of coconut and jaggery in almost all accompaniments. Here in the Mysore chutney, these ingredients come together with a combination of dals, tamarind and spices. This South Indian Mysore chutney can be spread on the inner side of dosa and topped with Potato Bhaji, to make Mysore Masala Dosa. Notes on South Indian Mysore chutney. 1. Red chillies not only provide the required spiciness but also, a bright colour. You can increase or reduce the quantity of red chilies for a spicier or milder taste. 2. Add the jaggery. It balances the sourness from tamarind pulp. 3. Add the coconut. Coconut is a major ingredient of most South-Indian chutneys.It enhances the flavour and adds to their bulk. You can also serve this South Indian Mysore chutney with other South Indian snacks like idli, Medu Vada, Maddur Vada, Assorted Uttapa Platter, Urad Dal and Vegetable Appe, Quick Idiyappam and Spinach Appam. Enjoy how to make Mysore chutney recipe | South Indian Mysore chutney | with detailed step by step photos and video below.

10. Rasam, South India Rasam, Home Made Rasam

rasam recipe | South Indian rasam | restaurant style rasam | how to make rasam with rasam powder | | with 32 amazing images. South Indian rasam is the basic recipe cooked in every household of the South virtually everyday! Learn how to make rasam with rasam powder. There is no place like home, and nothing as soothing as homemade food! In short, a South Indian would say, “Ah, Rasam!” The homeliest of South Indian recipes, rasam with rasam powder is a thin lentil soup perked up with tamarind pulp and chopped tomatoes, a traditional rasam powder, and a simple seasoning of mustard seeds and curry leaves. To make rasam, in a pressure cook toovar dal with enough water and blend it with a hand blender. Add the prepared rasam powder into it, mix well and keep aside.Combine the tomatoes, tamarind pulp, turmeric powder, asafoetida, salt and 3 cups of water, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 8 to 10 minutes, while stirring occasionally. Add the prepared dal-rasam powder mixture, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 3 to 4 minutes, while stirring occasionally. Keep aside. Make a tempering of hot oil and mustard seeds and curry leaves and add it to the rasam and cook for 1 minute. Add coriander and mix well and serve. The aroma of fresh roasted spices that surges out the pot as soon as the seasoning is added, is enough to draw everybody to the table. The touch of tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves in ghee towards the end of cooking is the final flavourful touch to this sumptuous fare. Enjoy restaurant style rasam like a soup or have it with Medu Vada, Idli or Rice. So brilliant is its tangy-spicy flavour, strong enough to shake out a bad cold, yet soothing enough to warm your heart, that rasam has become famous in Indian restaurants across the world as a soup! Tips for rasam. 1. We recommend you use measuring spoons for each ingredient of rasam powder and master making this famous South Indian spice blend. 2. To make tamarind pulp at home, soak the tamarind pods in just enough warm water for about 15-20 minutes or till they turn soft. Mash using your hands and roughly strain the pulp (you can do it with your hands itself) and discard the hard black coloured seeds as well as the fibrous parts. The soft pulp you have strained out is tamarind pulp. Enjoy rasam recipe | South Indian rasam | restaurant style rasam | how to make rasam with rasam powder | with recipe below.

11. Chana Dal Halwa ( Indian Cooking)

chana dal halwa recipe | Punjabi style chana dal halwa | spilt bengal gram Indian halwa | with 20 amazing images. chana dal halwa is a popular Indian dessert which is made during celebrations and get togethers in the house. During Indian festivals like diwali, baisakhi and holi chana dal halwa is made. Chana dal has a richer flavour than other pulses, which lends itself well to the preparation of a mouth-watering Punjabi style chana dal halwa. Soaked and ground dal is sautéed till a rich aroma is achieved, and then prepared into a traditional chana dal halwa flavoured with cardamom and saffron. Though the method to make it is quite long and complex yet the outcome and the result is worth everything. To make chana dal halwa, clean, wash and soak the chana dal in enough water in a bowl for at least 2 hours. Drain well and blend the chana dal in a mixer to a coarse mixture without using any water. Keep aside. Further, heat the ghee in a non-stick kadhai, add the chana dal mixture, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 14 minutes or till the mixture turns brown in colour, while stirring continuously. Add the hot milk and 1 cup of hot water, mix well and cook on a medium flame for another 2 to 3 minutes or till the mixture thickens, while stirring continuously. Next, add the sugar, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 2 to 3 more minutes, while stirring continuously. Add the cardamom powder and saffron, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 1 minute, while stirring continuously. Serve spilt bengal gram halwa hot garnished with almond slivers. Points for chana dal halwa. It is important to stir the dal mixture continuously when sautéing it, to avoid charring. Also be cautious when adding the hot milk and water as it tends to splutter a bit. Although the Chana Dal Halwa requires a bit of prior soaking and takes a bit of time to cook, it is a worthwhile effort, which is sure to be lauded by your guests and family members! One of the perfect dessert for entertaining. Enjoy chana dal halwa recipe | Punjabi style chana dal halwa | spilt bengal gram Indian halwa | with detailed step by step recipe photos below.

12. Chana Dal Puri

chana dal puri recipe | Indian dal puri | masala dal poori | with 25 amazing images. chana dal puri recipe | Indian dal puri | masala dal poori is a simple snack recipe with inherent simplicity that makes it very appealing. Learn how to make Indian dal puri. Game for some unusual fare today? Try this delectable Indian dal puri, which combines soaked and ground chana dal with wheat flour and semolina in the dough. This lends a unique and slight crispy texture to the puris which is pleasurable to bite into. A couple of spices and fresh coriander do their bit in jazzing up the taste of thesemasala dal poori. This puri with perfect flavours of the Indian spices goes perfectly with a cup of masala chai. If you wish you can also serve it with a bowl of curd for dinner. Also try other puri recipes like Phudina Puri or puris. Tips for chana dal puri. 1. Remember to add hot water for soaking the chana dal. It helps to speed up the soaking process. 2. Do not add water for kneading the dough. The chana dal paste itself will bind the flour into a dough. 3. Do not fry too many puris at once, and while frying always press each puri lightly into the oil so that it’ll puff up. Also deep-fry the puris on a medium to high flame only. Enjoy chana dal puri recipe | Indian dal puri | masala dal poori | with step by step photos.

13. Mixed Dal Handvo ( Gujarati Recipe)

mixed dal handvo recipe | Gujarati handvo | handvo recipe | with amazing 25 images. Mixed dal handvo is a traditional Gujarati savoury cake (Gujarati farsan), which is a nutritious meal in its own right when served with chutney and buttermilk. mixed dal handvo is a mixed dal and rice cake which is very famous meal dish originated from Gujarat. Although readymade flour is available in the market, we suggest you try this mixed dal handvo version to experience the true flavour. We have made mixed dal handvo from scratch as homely food is always healthier and hygienic. mixed dal handvo recipe is made in a non-stick kadhai. Every Gujarati household has their own way of making handvo and here we have shared our version of Gujarati handvo. handvo is made with grated bottle gourd but you can use any veggies that you wish to. The grated bottle gourd is a very critical ingredient in this mixed dal handvo as it imparts the required softness to the handvo – such that it is crisp outside but soft inside. You can enjoy mixed dal handvo as a side dish with your meal or can also pack it for your kids tiffin. I prefer relishing handvo as my evening snack with a piping hot cup of Elaichi Tea. Go ahead and follow these instructions meticulously—you are sure to end up with perfect mixed dal handvo! Enjoy mixed dal handvo recipe | Gujarati handvo | handvo recipe | with detailed step by step recipe photos and video below.

14. Fried Chana Dal, Savoury Jar Snack

fried chana dal recipe | chana dal namkeen | savoury jar snack | market style fried chana dal is a common, time-tested namkeen that nobody tires of! Learn how to make market style fried chana dal | with 31 amazing images. To make fried chana dal, soak the chan dal in enough water for 3 hours. Drain well and place them on a big muslin cloth and pat it with another muslin cloth over it allow them to dry for atleast 15 minutes or till there is no water and they are dry. Heat the oil in a deep non-stick pan, dip the strainer in it and put half the chana dal in it and deep-fry on a medium flame till it turns crisp. Remove excess oil by patting with tissue paper. Sprinkle the spice mixture made of chilli powder, Kashmiri chilli power, black salt and salt and toss well. Cool completely and serve. The crispiness of the chana dal namkeen together with the chatpata seasoning makes it a great success with young and old. Mumbai style Bhel Puri and Sev Puri are incomplete without this market style fried chana dal. Fried chana dal is a part of many other delicious chaat recipes like Delhi Style Aloo Chaat. It is a priceless, intensely satisfying experience to pop some of this into your mouth before you sip your hot tea or coffee. Don’t miss it! Also enjoy making a chaat with this savoury jar snack by way of Chana Dal Chaat. Combined with onions and tomatoes and pepped up with with some fresh coriander and lemon juice, it tastes awesome! Tips for fried chana dal. 1. Soaking chana dal in hot water is necessary. This is necessary so chana dal swells and also while deep frying it doesn’t remain raw. 2. Spread the soaked dal on a muslin cloth or any other kitchen towel. Prefer to use a double layered muslin cloth, so it absorbs the moisture from chana dal well. 3. Follow the method of deep frying chana dal using a strainer to avoid spluttering of chana dal. 4. Deep fry it on a medium flame only so it turns uniformly crisp. 5. Do not miss out on adding Kashmiri chilli powder if you want market style fried chana dal. 6. Add the spice mixture till the chana dal is hot. It mixes well at this stage and coats the chana dal. 7. Toss the chana dal and spice mixture with your hands. This helps un uniform coating of the spice mixture. You can also try other jar snacks like Verki Puri or Nimki. fried chana dal recipe | chana dal namkeen | savoury jar snack | market style fried chana dal | with step by step photos.