Chana Methi Dal: A Flavorful North Indian Delight
Chana Methi Dal is a quintessential North Indian dish that beautifully combines the earthy flavors of split chickpeas (chana dal) with the distinct bitterness of fenugreek leaves (methi). This wholesome, protein-rich recipe not only serves as a delicious side dish but also fits perfectly into a vegetarian diet, making it a delightful option for those seeking a nutritious meal. The preparation of this dish is a beautiful blend of simplicity and heartwarming flavors, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Here’s a comprehensive list of ingredients you’ll need to create this scrumptious Chana Methi Dal:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chana Dal (split chickpeas) | 1 cup |
| Fenugreek leaves (Methi) | 1 bundle (washed and dried) |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Tomato | 1, chopped |
| Coriander powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Turmeric powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | 2 teaspoons |
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Component | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
Preparation Time
| Activity | Time (in minutes) |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 15 |
| Cooking | 30 |
| Total Time | 45 |
Servings
| Servings | 4 |
Instructions
Follow these steps to create a delicious Chana Methi Dal that is sure to please your taste buds:
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Soak the Dal: Begin by thoroughly washing the chana dal under running water until the water runs clear. After rinsing, soak the dal in 3 cups of water for about 30 minutes. This will help in softening the dal and reducing the cooking time.
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Prepare the Fenugreek: While the dal is soaking, wash the fenugreek leaves well and allow them to dry. Once dried, chop them finely and set them aside.
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Cook the Fenugreek: In a pan, heat 2 teaspoons of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped fenugreek leaves. Sauté them until they become soft and wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Once cooked, remove them from the pan and keep them aside.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In a pressure cooker, add another 2 teaspoons of oil and heat it over medium flame. When the oil is hot, add the asafoetida and cumin seeds. Sauté for about 10 seconds until the cumin starts to crackle and releases its aroma.
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Add the Onions: Next, add the finely chopped onions to the cooker. Sauté the onions until they become translucent and soft, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
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Incorporate the Tomatoes and Spices: Once the onions are soft, add the chopped tomatoes along with the coriander powder, turmeric powder, and red chili powder. Mix everything well and cook until the tomatoes break down and become mushy, about 5 minutes.
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Combine the Dal: Drain the soaked chana dal and add it to the mixture in the cooker. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
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Pressure Cook: Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook on high heat until you hear 2-3 whistles. After that, reduce the flame to low and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
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Release the Pressure: After 5 minutes, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. Once it’s safe to open, carefully remove the lid.
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Final Touch: Gently mash the dal with a ladle to achieve your desired consistency. Add the sautéed fenugreek leaves and mix well to incorporate all the flavors.
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Serve Hot: Your Chana Methi Dal is now ready to be served! Enjoy it hot with steaming phulkas (Indian flatbread) or alongside lauki ki sabzi (bottle gourd vegetable) for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Chana Methi Dal is a delightful dish that marries the goodness of legumes with the unique taste of fenugreek leaves, resulting in a dish that is not only flavorful but also rich in protein and nutrients. Perfect for a wholesome meal, this recipe can be easily prepared in under an hour and is sure to become a favorite in your household.
This dish celebrates the essence of North Indian cuisine with its robust flavors and health benefits, making it an ideal choice for both everyday meals and special occasions. Enjoy the heartwarming experience of cooking and sharing this nourishing dish with your loved ones!
