Telangana Style Barada Palya Recipe – Chana Dal Dry Sabzi
Introduction
This Telangana Style Barada Palya, a flavorful dry sabzi made from Chana Dal (Bengal Gram), is a popular and wholesome side dish from the Andhra Pradesh cuisine. With a blend of aromatic spices, fresh ginger, and green chillies, this dish offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The dry, crumbly texture of the cooked dal paired with simple spices makes it a nutritious accompaniment to steamed rice or chapatis. Its high protein content makes it a great choice for vegetarians seeking a hearty yet simple meal.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Chana dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 3/4 cup |
Green chillies (halved) | 6 |
Fresh ginger (peeled & chopped) | 1-inch piece |
Fresh coriander leaves (finely chopped) | To taste |
Salt | To taste |
Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/8 teaspoon |
Sunflower oil | 2 tablespoons |
Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon |
Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
Curry leaves | 2 sprigs |
Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 60 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 80 minutes
Serving Information
- Servings: 4
- Cuisine: Andhra
- Course: Side Dish
- Diet: High Protein, Vegetarian
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Nutrient | Value |
---|---|
Calories | ~190 kcal |
Protein | ~10g |
Carbohydrates | ~30g |
Fat | ~5g |
Fiber | ~7g |
Sodium | ~150 mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Chana Dal
To start, wash the Chana dal (Bengal Gram) thoroughly and soak it in water for about 1 hour. This soaking process helps in softening the dal, making it easier to cook. After an hour, drain the water and set the dal aside.

Step 2: Making the Coarse Paste
In a mixer jar, add the soaked chana dal, peeled and chopped ginger, and the halved green chillies. Grind the mixture into a coarse paste. Be mindful not to grind it into a fine paste—leave it a little chunky for the right texture.
Step 3: Cooking the Dal
Heat a heavy-bottomed pan on a low flame and add 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil. Once the oil heats up, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves. Allow them to crackle and release their aroma.
Step 4: Adding the Aromatics
Once the seeds have crackled, add the finely chopped coriander leaves and sauté for a minute or two, allowing them to infuse the oil with their fragrance.
Step 5: Cooking the Ground Paste
Next, add the ground chana dal paste to the pan. Add salt and turmeric powder and mix everything thoroughly. Keep cooking on low heat, scraping the bottom of the pan at regular intervals. This will help prevent the dal from sticking to the pan. You may need to add a teaspoon of oil at intervals to keep it from sticking.
Step 6: Frying and Scraping
Continue cooking for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The dal will gradually start to lose its moisture and become crumbly in texture. Keep cooking until the texture of the dal becomes dry and crumbly, which is the desired consistency for Barada Palya.
Step 7: Final Touches
Once the chana dal is cooked to a crumbly texture, turn off the heat. Your Telangana Style Barada Palya is ready to serve!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chana Dal Dry Sabzi hot alongside Steamed Rice or Chapatis for a comforting meal. For a complete Andhra-style meal, pair it with Udupi Tomato Rasam and a refreshing Curry Leaves Buttermilk. This combination will bring out the rich flavors of the dal and offer a balanced, wholesome meal.
Tips:
- For a richer taste: You can add a small dollop of ghee at the end of cooking, just before serving.
- Adjusting spice levels: If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the number of green chillies.
- For a vegan option: This recipe is already vegan, but you can also use any oil of your choice in place of sunflower oil.
Conclusion
This Telangana Style Barada Palya (Chana Dal Dry Sabzi) is an excellent choice for those looking for a flavorful, high-protein vegetarian dish. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the cooking technique results in a delightful dish that’s perfect for a weekday meal. The step-by-step guide ensures that even novice cooks can prepare this traditional Andhra delicacy with ease. Enjoy this humble yet nutritious recipe with your loved ones!