Lauki Chana Dal Recipe
Welcome to the delightful world of Gujarati cuisine, where simplicity meets flavor in a beautifully harmonious way. This Lauki Chana Dal (Bottle Gourd with Split Chickpeas) is a wholesome side dish that is both diabetic-friendly and bursting with nutrients, making it an excellent addition to your everyday meals. Perfectly paired with boondi raita and phulkas, this recipe is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of wholesome ingredients that bring comfort and satisfaction to the table.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| लौकी (Bottle Gourd) | 1 – peeled and chopped |
| चना दाल (Split Chickpeas) | 1 cup |
| जीरा (Cumin Seeds) | 1 teaspoon |
| तेज पत्ता (Bay Leaf) | 1 |
| अदरक (Ginger) | 1 teaspoon – grated |
| टमाटर (Tomato) | 1 – finely chopped |
| धनिया पाउडर (Coriander Powder) | 1 teaspoon |
| हल्दी पाउडर (Turmeric Powder) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| लाल मिर्च पाउडर (Red Chili Powder) | 1/2 teaspoon – to taste |
| शक्कर (Sugar) | 1 teaspoon |
| हरा धनिया (Cilantro) | A small bunch – for garnish |
| तेल (Oil) | 1 teaspoon |
| सुखी लाल मिर्च (Dry Red Chilies) | 2 |
| नमक (Salt) | To taste |
| पानी (Water) | 1.5 cups (for soaking) + 1/4 cup |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7 g |
| Sugars | 4 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Servings: 4
Instructions
To embark on the delightful journey of making Lauki Chana Dal, follow these detailed steps that will lead you to a bowl of comfort food that is sure to impress your family and friends.
-
Soak the Chana Dal: Begin by soaking the chana dal in 1.5 cups of water for about 1 hour. This step not only softens the lentils but also enhances their digestibility, making your dish lighter and more enjoyable.
-
Prepare the Bottle Gourd: While the dal is soaking, wash and peel the lauki, then chop it into small pieces. This will ensure even cooking and a delightful texture in your final dish.
-
Pressure Cook the Lauki: In a pressure cooker, add the chopped lauki, 1/4 cup of water, salt, and turmeric powder. Secure the lid and cook until you hear two whistles. This process will soften the lauki and infuse it with flavor. Once done, let the pressure release naturally before opening the lid.
-
Cook the Chana Dal: In the same pressure cooker (without washing it), add the soaked chana dal along with the remaining ingredients: cumin seeds, bay leaf, ginger, chopped tomato, coriander powder, red chili powder, sugar, and salt to taste. Add a little more water if necessary. Secure the lid again and cook for another two whistles.
-
Simmer and Combine: After the second round of cooking, lower the flame and let it simmer for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Once done, allow the pressure to release before carefully opening the lid.
-
Combine Lauki and Dal: Now, gently fold the cooked lauki into the chana dal mixture, stirring to combine. The soft pieces of bottle gourd will add a lovely texture and flavor to the dish.
-
Prepare the Tadka: In a small pan, heat 1 teaspoon of oil. Once hot, add the cumin seeds, followed by red chili powder and dry red chilies. Allow them to sizzle for about 15 seconds before turning off the heat. This quick tempering releases the essential oils, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your dish.
-
Finish the Dish: Pour the hot tadka over the lauki chana dal. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro to add a refreshing touch.
-
Serve: Your delectable Lauki Chana Dal is now ready to be served! Pair it with boondi raita and phulkas for a complete meal that’s not just satisfying but also incredibly nutritious.
Enjoy this healthy and delicious recipe that showcases the beauty of traditional Gujarati cooking, bringing you the warmth and comfort of home-cooked meals. Bon appétit!
