Chana Dal Chutney Recipe
Chana Dal Chutney is a flavorful South Indian side dish made with roasted chana dal (Bengal gram) and other aromatic ingredients. This chutney is a popular accompaniment in many South Indian households and adds a spicy, tangy kick to your meals. It’s a perfect complement to dishes like dosa, idli, or uttapam, and its robust flavor comes from a blend of roasted lentils, coconut, tamarind, and a tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves. Ideal for vegetarians, this chutney is simple to prepare and delicious to serve with a variety of South Indian snacks and breakfast items.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Roasted Chana Dal (Bengal gram) | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh Grated Coconut | 1/4 cup |
| Dry Red Chilies | 6 pieces |
| Curry Leaves | 2 sprigs |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | A pinch |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai) | 1 teaspoon |
| Tamarind Paste | 2 teaspoons |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 2-4 people
Instructions
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Heat the Oil: Start by heating oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the roasted chana dal, curry leaves, and dry red chilies. Sauté this mixture for 1-2 minutes until it releases a lovely aroma.
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Add Coconut: Now, add the grated coconut to the pan and cook for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally. This step helps to enhance the flavors.
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Grind the Mixture: Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Once cooled, transfer it to a mixer grinder. Add a little water (about 2-3 tablespoons) and grind the mixture to a smooth paste.
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Add Tamarind and Salt: After grinding, add the tamarind paste and salt to the chutney. Blend again until everything is well combined.
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Prepare the Tempering (Tadka): In a small pan, heat a little oil. Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add the curry leaves and asafoetida. Fry for 15 seconds, and then pour this tempering over the chutney.
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Mix and Serve: Stir the chutney well to incorporate the tempering. Your Chana Dal Chutney is ready to serve!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chana Dal Chutney as a side dish with Tomato Uttapam, Rava Idli, or any type of Dosa. It’s also great with rice and even as a dip for snacks. The chutney adds an amazing spicy and tangy flavor to all these dishes.
Enjoy this South Indian chutney as a delightful accompaniment to your meals!
