Cabbage Chana Dal Sabzi – A Wholesome North Indian Side Dish
A flavorful and nutritious addition to any meal, Cabbage Chana Dal Sabzi combines the crunchiness of cabbage with the earthy goodness of chana dal (Bengal gram), making it a delightful dish that’s perfect for diabetics or anyone seeking a healthier alternative. This North Indian recipe is filled with aromatic spices that transform the humble cabbage into a deliciously vibrant side dish. Hereโs how you can make this easy and heartwarming dish at home.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cabbage (Patta Gobi/ Muttaikose), shredded | 3 cups |
| Green Chilli, slit | 2 |
| Chana dal (Bengal Gram Dal), washed and soaked | 1/2 cup |
| Curry leaves | 2 sprigs |
| Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/ Kadugu) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1 teaspoon |
Preparation Time
30 minutes
Cooking Time
24 minutes
Instructions
-
Soak the Chana Dal
Begin by washing and soaking the chana dal (Bengal gram) in hot water for about one hour. This softens the dal and reduces cooking time. -
Prepare the Tempering
Heat a skillet on medium flame and add oil to it. Once the oil heats up, toss in the cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Allow them to splutter and release their fragrant aroma. Add the curry leaves and a pinch of asafoetida (hing), stirring to combine. -
Cook the Chana Dal
Add the soaked and drained chana dal to the skillet and stir well. Pour a little water over the dal and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the chana dal is fully cooked and tender. Check periodically and add water if necessary to avoid burning. -
Add Spices and Cabbage
Once the chana dal is cooked, open the lid and add the turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, cumin powder, and garam masala powder to the skillet. Stir everything together, ensuring the spices are well mixed. Now, add the slit green chilies and the shredded cabbage. Mix the cabbage with the cooked dal and spices. -
Cook the Cabbage
Cover the skillet again and let the cabbage cook for about 5 minutes. This should allow the cabbage to retain some crunch. If you prefer softer cabbage, cook for an additional few minutes. -
Final Adjustments
Check the seasoning and adjust the salt and spices as needed. Once the cabbage has reached the desired texture and the flavors are well balanced, remove the skillet from the heat. -
Serve
Transfer the Cabbage Chana Dal Sabzi to a serving bowl. Serve it hot with your choice of Indian flatbread like Bajre Ki Roti, or alongside Yellow Pumpkin Dal and Steamed Brown Rice for a complete, wholesome, and diabetic-friendly meal.
Serving Suggestions
Cabbage Chana Dal Sabzi is a versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with various Indian mains. For a healthy diabetic lunch or dinner, serve it alongside Bajre Ki Roti (millet flatbread), Yellow Pumpkin Dal (lentil-based curry), or Steamed Brown Rice. This combination provides a balanced meal, offering fiber, protein, and healthy fats that are great for regulating blood sugar levels.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This Cabbage Chana Dal Sabzi recipe is a perfect addition to your diabetic-friendly meal planning. It’s loaded with fiber from cabbage and protein from chana dal, making it both nutritious and satisfying. The spices bring out bold flavors, while the dish itself is easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy days when you want a healthy, delicious meal that doesnโt take too long to prepare.
Try this delicious, crunchy sabzi today and enjoy a burst of flavors thatโs both healthy and satisfying.
