Turnip Chana Dhal (Shalgam Chana)
Discover the delightful flavors of Turnip Chana Dhal, a wholesome vegetarian dish that beautifully blends the earthy taste of turnips with the rich texture of chana dal, seasoned with a medley of spices to create a mildly spiced culinary masterpiece. This comforting dish, often referred to as Shalgam Chana, is perfect for a family meal and serves six, making it a great option for gatherings or a cozy night in.
Recipe Overview
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Serves: 6
- Dietary Information: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Turnips | 4 small |
| Chana Dal | 125g |
| Onion | 1 small, sliced |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, sliced |
| Ripe Tomatoes | 3 |
| Green Chillies | 1 or 2, to taste |
| Ginger | 4 cm piece |
| Oil | 1 tbsp |
| Cumin Seeds | 1 tsp |
| Cassia Bark | 4 cm piece |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 tsp |
| Coriander Seeds | 1 tsp |
| Red Chilli Powder | ½ tsp |
| Turmeric Powder | ½ tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp or to taste |
| Fresh Coriander | Handful, chopped |
Instructions
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Prepare the Chana Dal: Start by cleaning the chana dal and soaking it in water for 3-4 hours before you begin cooking. This ensures the dal cooks evenly and absorbs flavors.
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Prepare the Turnips: Peel, wash, and cut the turnips into small, bite-sized pieces, which will add a tender texture and slight sweetness to the dish.
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Pressure Cook: In a pressure cooker, combine the soaked chana dal and turnip pieces, adding 2 cups of water and salt. Secure the lid on the cooker and begin heating.
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Simmer: Once the first whistle sounds, reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for about 4 minutes. Afterward, remove it from the heat but let it sit without opening the lid until the pressure naturally releases.
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Prepare the Spice Paste: While the dal is cooking, roughly chop the tomatoes, green chillies, and ginger.
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Roast the Spices: In a frying pan, add the cumin, mustard, and coriander seeds. Roast them over medium heat until they darken slightly and release a fragrant aroma. Once done, crush the spices using a pestle and mortar or a spice grinder.
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Blend the Tomato Mixture: Place the chopped tomatoes, green chillies, and ginger into a blender, and blend until you achieve a fine paste.
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Cook the Masala: Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the roasted cumin and cassia bark. Once fragrant, toss in the sliced onions and garlic. Sauté them until they just start to brown, infusing the oil with their flavors.
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Combine Spices: Stir in the turmeric powder, salt, and the ground spices you prepared earlier. When this mixture becomes fragrant, add the blended tomato paste. Allow it to cook until it thickens into a rich masala sauce.
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Combine Dhal and Masala: Once the pressure has released from the cooker, open it carefully. Check that the dal is well-cooked by squeezing some between your fingers—it should be tender. Stir the prepared masala sauce into the chana dal.
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Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thinner consistency, add enough hot water to achieve your desired texture.
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Garnish and Serve: Finish by adding the chopped fresh coriander and garnishing with a little butter for an extra layer of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Turnip Chana Dhal hot, paired with steamed rice, warm naan, or even a fresh salad for a balanced meal. This dish embodies the essence of vegetarian cooking, showcasing how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious and satisfying. Enjoy the comforting, mildly spiced flavors that are sure to be a hit at your dining table!
