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Top 10 Chana Dal Recipes

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Top 10 Chana Dal Recipes

Chana dal is one of those pulses that is easily available in almost all parts of India, and is widely used in the cuisine of most Indian communities. A half-round shape and a pleasing yellow colour make it very attractive to use in your cooking. It has a kind of neutral flavour and mealy texture, which suits both sweet and savoury dishes. The spicy Masala Vada of South India and the Puran Poli of Maharashtra need no introduction! It is also used extensively to make subzis and dals, either separately on hand-in-hand with other pulses or veggies.

More about chana dal and its products

Chana dal is made commercially by splitting and polishing baby chickpeas. It is available readily in all grocery stores in different pack sizes. It is also processed into other forms like flour (besan) and roasted chana dal (daria).

Top recipes with chana dal

Chana dal is available and used widely all over India, in all regions. Every region has its favourite recipe too. Here is a pick of the best…

1. Start your day with a tasty pancake made of chana dal combined with other healthy ingredients. It makes a wonderful breakfast and tasty snack, especially for diabetic people.

2. Golden-reddish hued and crispy to the core, this South Indian snack is an all-time favourite. Chana Dal Vada is made often in South Indian households as a special Sunday evening coffee-time snack, and served with fresh coconut chutney. It can also be served as a starter or high-tea snack.

3. Tried making halwa out of chana dal? It turns out to be just great, with an attractive colour, pleasing flavour and nice mouth-feel. Serve the Chana Dal Halwa warm garnished with slivered nuts.

4. An unusual combination of chana dal and suran makes these tikkis a grand surprise. Everybody tastes it out of curiosity and then they fall in love with it! It is just right to serve at parties and family gatherings.

5. Life is full of sweet and spicy occurrences, and this combo reminds us of that magical fact! Spicy Chana Dal served with Sweet Rice made of jaggery, this is a heavenly combo that will take your breath away!

6. A famous recipe from the heritage-rich region of Mysore, this chutney tastes great with idlis, dosas and uttapas.

7. Jain-friendly seekh kebabs made with chana dal and bananas, this is ideal to serve as a starter at your next party. Sure to stun your guests, it will up their expectations, so make sure your whole meal lives up to the expectations set by this one! Enjoy it with green chutney.

8. Do you always end up cooking your chana dal with onions and tomatoes? Try combining it with palak instead. It’s simply wowwww…

9. Kalmi Vada from the royal cuisine of Rajasthan is something that you must try! Made of chana dal and spices, this is an ever-popular snack that is made often by the Rajasthanis.

10. No Maharashtrian festival is complete without a serving of Puran Poli. Not only that, the Maharashtrians make it any time they feel like – be it to celebrate an occasion or just to enjoy a weekend the traditional way! Stuffed with a proper mix of chana dal and coconut, this recipe is out of the world. Don’t miss it.

There are special recipes everywhere, with exotic ingredients that send you on a wild goose chase! But, undoubtedly the most enjoyable ones are those that can be made anytime, anywhere with common ingredients and without too much advance planning. With ingredients like chana dal, it is amazing how you can make simple, everyday dishes like dal as well as mouth-watering delicacies like halwa! There are so many more recipes on our website using this humble dal – it will take you weeks to try them all!

Top Top 10 Indian Chana Dal Recipes



1

chana dal pancakes | healthy chana dal pancakes |chana dal pancakes for diabetics | with 26 amazing images Chana dal pancakes is made of soaked chana dal mixed with vitamin rich vegetables and protein rich curds to enhance its taste. Grated ginger and green chillies add the much-needed spice to the chana dal pancakes. Cook these split bengal gram pancakes over a slow flame as the chana dal is coarsely ground and will take a while to cook well. What makes chana dal pancakes healthy? Chana dal is a very beneficial pulse for diabetics as it helps in the utilisation of sugar effectively causing a slow rise in blood sugar levels because of its low glycemic index. There is a 1/2 cup of methi leaves used in chana dal pancakes and see why we love that. Fenugreek leaves help in improving glucose and insulin responses, hence good for diabetics. The levels of cholesterol also reduced with intakes of fenugreek leaves. These Indian chana dal pancakes are extremely filling and you could have that for a heavy breakfast or it would suffice for dinner. Serve chana dal pancakes with green chutney. Enjoy chana dal pancakes | healthy chana dal pancakes |chana dal pancakes for diabetics with detailed step by step photos below.

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chana dal vada recipe | masala vada | masala vadai | chana dal vada Indian snack | with 28 amazing images. chana dal vada recipe | masala vada | masala vadai | chana dal vada Indian snack is a crispy snack enjoyed by people of all ages. Learn how to make masala vadai. To make chana dal vada, clean, wash and soak the chana dal in enough hot water for 2 hours. Drain well. Combine the soaked chana dal, dry red chillies, green chillies, cumin seeds and ¼ cup of water in a mixer and blend to a thick coarse paste. Transfer the mixture into a deep bowl, add all the remaining ingredients and mix well using your hands. Divide the mixture into 18 equal portions and roll each portion into a round flat vada. Heat the oil in a deep non-stick pan, deep-fry a few vadas at a time on a medium flame till they turn golden brown in colour from all the sides. Drain on an absorbent paper. Serve immediately with coconut chutney. The moment a South Indian buys a cup of tea, he would also buy a plate of chana dal vada to accompany it! That is how popular this tasty South Indian Chana Dal Vada is. And not without reason. With loads of onions, coriander, green chillies and spices, this vada is a real tongue tickler. Not only that, the coarsely ground chana dal paste results in super crispy masala vadai that make you reach out for more... and more... The specks of whole chana dal in the vadas is truly enjoyable. While it needs no accompaniment, if you wish you can serve it with coconut chutney. Making chana dal vada Indian snack needs a little bit of planning as the chana dal has to be soaked for 2 hours. But once the soaking is done, the snack will be ready for serving in 20 minutes. Bonda , Thattai, Medu vada and Urad Dal and Vegetable Appe also make delicious evening tea snacks or snacks for entertaining when served with coconut chutney. Tips for chana dal vada. 1. Ensure to use Kashmiri red chillies – this is for colour and mild spice level. 2. While grinding, pulse the mixture for 5 seconds, pause and then grind again. Do not grind it continuously for too long, else the mixture might turn into a fine paste. 3. You can make the mixture and refrigerate it for 1 to 2 hours, but do not add salt as it might make the mixture slightly watery. Just before frying, add salt, mix and deep fry. Enjoy chana dal vada recipe | masala vada | masala vadai | chana dal vada Indian snack | with step by step photos.

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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.

4

suran chana dal tikki | yam chana dal tikki | with 20 amazing images Scrumptious to the core, these mouth-watering Suran Chana Dal Tikkis feature flavourful yam bound together by an aromatic powder of freshly roasted chana dal. This winning team gets a further boost by the addition of spice powders, herbs and flavour-givers like onions, ginger and garlic in suran chana dal tikki . Serve these yam chana dal tikkis immediately because they are super-crispy, and this great texture will be lost as the tikkis cool. Green chutney is a perfect accompaniment to suran chana dal tikki. You can serve scrumptious deep-fried delights like these tikkis for High Tea Party, Kitty Party and Birthday Party. Enjoy suran chana dal tikki with detailed step by step photos and video below.

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Chana Dal aur Gur Chawal is a sumptuous combination of spicy chana dal served with aromatic jaggery-sweetened rice. The gur chawal imbibes the flavour and aroma of fennel and cardamom beautifully, in such a way that it kindles ones appetite. It is such a lip-smacking meal you are sure to over-eat, but worry not – an assortment of ingredients like hing, saunf and black salt will aid digestion.

6

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.

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chana dal seekh kebabs recipe | Jain kebab | healthy tava chana dal seekh kebab | with 42 amazing images. These Jain chana dal and raw banana seekh kebabs are a delicious and nutritious dish that is made while following Jain dietary rules. Learn how to make Chana Dal Seekh Kebabs recipe | Jain kebab | healthy tava Chana Dal Seekh Kebab | Perfect chana dal seekh kebabs, made with the ideal proportions of chana dal, raw banana and chopped cabbage, excitingly flavoured with mint, green chillies and spice powders, can be served as a starter. The unique combination of chana dal and raw banana creates a delicious and nutritious seekh kebab. The protein-rich chana dal and fiber-rich raw banana in this dish help you stay healthy. These healthy tava chana dal seekh kebab are not only tasty but also very easy to make. Once the mixture is shaped around skewers, these chana dal seekh kebabs are typically grilled or pan-fried until golden brown, giving them a slightly crispy exterior while remaining soft and flavorful inside. The smoky, charred flavor from the grill elevates the taste of the kebabs, making them perfect for serving as an appetizer or snack. They can be enjoyed with mint chutney or yogurt dip and are ideal for parties or as a healthy alternative to meat-based kebabs. pro tips to make chana dal seekh kebab: 1. Allow the kebabs to cook slowly over medium heat to ensure they are cooked through without burning. 2. Add a sprinkle of chaat masala or some chopped cilantro for extra flavor. 3. You can prepare the kebab mixture in advance and refrigerate it overnight. 4. Serve chana dal seekh kebab on tava hot with green chutney. Enjoy chana dal seekh kebabs recipe | Jain kebab | healthy tava chana dal seekh kebab | with detailed step by step photos.

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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.

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kalmi vada recipe | Rajasthani kalmi vada | chana dal kalmi vada | with 30 amazing images. Rajasthani Kalmi Vada is a crispy, savory snack made from gram flour. Learn how to make kalmi vada recipe | Rajasthani kalmi vada | chana dal kalmi vada | Kalmi Vada is a popular Rajasthani snack known for its crispy texture and rich flavors. It is made from coarsely ground chana dal (split Bengal gram), flavored with a blend of aromatic spices like fennel, green chilies, ginger, and garlic. The dal is soaked, ground, and mixed with spices, then shaped into thick flat discs or vadas. These are first lightly fried until golden and then cut into slices. The slices are deep-fried again for a crunchy, golden exterior. Rajasthani kalmi vada is often served hot with green chutney or khajur imli chutney, making it a perfect tea-time snack or starter. In order to achieve that ideal texture, you need to make sure the chana dal is ground coarsely and not too finely. Chana dal kalmi vada is a perfect accompaniment for tea on a cold winter’s day, it is also very easy to prepare. It's a popular street food in Rajasthan and is enjoyed by people of all ages. Matar ki kachori , Pyaaz ki Kachori and Mirchi vada are a few other Rajasthani snacks you are sure to relish. pro tips to make kalmi vada: 1. If the batter has become too thin then add a little besan to adjust the consistency of the batter. 2. Double frying the vada makes them super crispy and delicious. 3. Blend the vada mixture coarsely for pleasant mouthfeel and taste. Enjoy kalmi vada recipe | Rajasthani kalmi vada | chana dal kalmi vada | with detailed step by step photos.

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coconut puran poli recipe | naariyal puran poli | Maharashtrian puran poli | Jain puran poli | with 38 amazing images. Puranpoli is a traditional Maharashtrian dish, and variants of it are made all over the country. It is a wholesome and delicious snack made of chana dal and coconut sweetened with jaggery and flavoured mildly with spices like elaichi. Learn how to make coconut puran poli recipe | naariyal puran poli | Maharashtrian puran poli | Jain puran poli | coconut puran poli, a delightful Indian sweet treat, is a beloved delicacy, especially during festive seasons. It's a flatbread, made from wheat flour, filled with a luscious mixture of grated coconut and jaggery. The dough is rolled out thin, filled with the sweet coconut mixture, and then carefully cooked on a tawa smothered with ghee. The result is a crispy, golden-brown naariyal puran poli with a soft, sweet filling that melts in your mouth. The combination of the slightly salty, nutty flavor of the coconut with the sweetness of the jaggery creates a harmonious blend of tastes. The texture is another highlight, with the crisp outer layer contrasting beautifully with the soft, moist filling. While it is festive fare, it can be made any day when you feel like making something special. coconut puran poli is often enjoyed with a cup of hot chai or coffee, making it a perfect indulgence for any occasion. pro tips for coconut puran poli: 1. The dough should be soft and pliable, but not sticky. 2. Use freshly grated coconut for the best flavor and texture. Drizzle ghee on both sides of the poli while cooking for a richer flavor and crispiness. coconut puran poli recipe | naariyal puran poli | Maharashtrian puran poli | Jain puran poli | with detailed step by step photos.

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