Comforting Chana Dal and Rice Recipe – Easy & Nutritious Indian Lunch

Chana Dal and Rice (Bengal Gram Dal and Rice)

This simple and nutritious dish, Chana Dal and Rice, is a staple comfort food in Indian households. Known for its delightful taste and ease of preparation, it combines the earthy flavor of Bengal gram dal with the comforting goodness of rice, making it a perfect dish for a light lunch or dinner. The recipe is also versatile and can be adjusted based on personal preferences.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Chana Dal (Bengal Gram)	1/2 cup
Rice	1/2 cup
Cumin Seeds (Jeera)	1/4 teaspoon
Asafoetida (Hing)	A pinch
Turmeric Powder	A pinch
Salt	A pinch

Preparation Time

• 5 minutes

Cooking Time

• 20 minutes

Total Time

• 25 minutes

Servings

• 2 servings

Cuisine

• Indian

Course

• Lunch

Diet

• Vegetarian

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Instructions

1. Rinse the Ingredients: Begin by rinsing the chana dal and rice separately in different bowls. It’s essential to wash them well to remove any dirt and impurities.

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2. Soak the Dal and Rice: Soak the chana dal and rice separately for 15 minutes. Soaking helps in softening the dal and rice, making them cook faster and more evenly.

3. Cook the Rice: After soaking, take the rice and cook it by adding sufficient water. Cook it until it becomes soft and fully cooked, just like you would normally cook rice.

4. Cook the Chana Dal: In a pressure cooker, add the soaked chana dal along with the cumin seeds, a pinch of asafoetida, turmeric powder, and salt. Add enough water to cook the dal. Pressure cook for about 3-4 whistles, or until the dal is soft and fully cooked.

5. Mix the Dal and Rice: Once both the rice and dal are cooked, take them in a bowl. Add about 2 teaspoons of dal to the rice, mixing them together. For a smoother texture, you can use a blender to mix the dal and rice, depending on your preference.

6. Adjust Consistency: If the mixture feels too thick, you can add some of the leftover dal water to adjust the consistency to your liking. This will help create a smooth, soft paste, perfect for feeding babies or for a comforting meal.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the chana dal and rice mixture in small bowls. This dish is especially ideal for toddlers or those looking for a gentle, easy-to-digest meal.

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Tips

• Flavor Variation: For added flavor, you can sauté a few spices like cumin, mustard seeds, and curry leaves in ghee or oil before adding them to the dal.
• Serving Suggestions: Chana dal and rice can be served with a side of yogurt or a simple pickle for a more complete meal.
• For Babies: If you’re preparing this dish for babies, ensure that the mixture is well-blended and free of any whole dal pieces. The consistency can be adjusted using extra dal water to create a smooth paste.

This Chana Dal and Rice dish is not only easy to prepare but also full of essential nutrients, making it a great choice for both adults and children alike. It offers a balanced meal of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, making it a perfect choice for any day of the week.