Tangy Chana Dal Chutney Recipe – A Flavorful South Indian Side Dish

Chana Dal Chutney (South Indian Style) – A Tangy and Flavorful Side Dish

Chana Dal Chutney is a traditional South Indian condiment that adds a burst of flavor to your meals. This chutney is made using roasted chana dal (split chickpeas), coconut, tamarind paste, and a mix of aromatic spices, making it a perfect accompaniment for dishes like dosas, idlis, uttapams, and even rice. The texture is smooth and slightly grainy, with a delightful balance of savory, tangy, and spicy notes. Whether you’re preparing a South Indian breakfast or a light meal, this chutney is sure to elevate your dish with its rich taste and vibrant flavor profile.

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 5

Instructions

1. Heat Oil and Toast Spices:
   Begin by heating a tablespoon of oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the roasted chana dal, dry red chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the spices release their fragrance and the chana dal turns slightly golden.

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2. Add Coconut:
   Now, add the grated coconut to the pan and cook for another minute. Stir the mixture well to ensure the coconut is lightly toasted, which will enhance its flavor.

3. Blend the Mixture:
   Once the coconut and spices are nicely roasted, remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Transfer the mixture to a mixer grinder, add a little water, and blend it into a smooth paste.

4. Add Tamarind Paste and Salt:
   In the grinder, add the tamarind paste and salt to taste. Continue to grind until the mixture is well-combined and smooth. Adjust the water if necessary to achieve a thicker or smoother consistency based on your preference.

5. Prepare the Tempering:
   In a small tempering pan, heat a little oil. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then, add curry leaves and a pinch of asafetida (hing). Sauté for about 15 seconds until the mustard seeds crackle.

6. Combine and Serve:
   Pour the tempering over the prepared chutney. Stir everything together to combine the flavors well. Your Chana Dal Chutney is now ready to be served!

7. Serving Suggestions:
   This chutney pairs beautifully with a variety of South Indian dishes like Tomato Uttapam, Rawa Idli, Dosas, or even Plain Rice. The tanginess from the tamarind and the spiciness from the red chilies bring out the best in these dishes.

Tips & Variations:

• Coconut Substitute: If fresh coconut is not available, you can use desiccated coconut, although fresh coconut gives a richer flavor and texture.
• Spice Level: Adjust the number of dry red chilies based on your heat preference. You can also add a green chili for an extra kick.
• Sweetness: If you prefer a slightly sweeter chutney, you can add a teaspoon of jaggery or sugar during the blending process.

This Chana Dal Chutney is a flavorful and nutritious side dish that can complement any South Indian meal. The combination of roasted chana dal and coconut, seasoned with mustard, curry leaves, and tamarind, makes it an essential chutney recipe to try. It’s easy to make, versatile, and a great addition to your culinary repertoire!