CHANA DAL Recipe
1 – Rinse chana dal 3-4 times until the water runs clear. Soak for 20-30 mins in hot water.
2 – Transfer the rinsed dal to an Instant Pot stainless steel insert, or stovetop pressure cooker with 3 cups of water, turmeric, black cardamom, and 1 teaspoon salt. Close the lid.
In Instant Pot, cook with vent sealing on manual (pressure cook) high for 15 mins followed by natural pressure release.
For the stovetop pressure cooker, cook on medium heat for 4-5 whistles. Let steam release naturally. Time can vary depending on the quality of the dal and the brand of the pressure cooker.
You can also cook dal in a pot on the stovetop until the dal is soft and mushy just that it will take a longer time.
3 – When the pressure comes down (pin drops) open the lid. Check if the dal is cooked. It should be soft and mushy and you should be able to easily mash the dal with your spoon or between the thumb and index finger.
If it’s undercooked, pressure cook again until the lentils are nicely cooked and soft.
4 – Using a whisk, lightly mash the dal (don’t mash it completely. You should still see some whole dal).
While the dal is cooking you can make the Chana dal masala.
5 – Heat oil/ghee in a pan on medium heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds, asafoetida (hing), and dried red chili, and saute for a few seconds.
6 – Add ginger garlic and green chili. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the raw garlic smell goes away.
7 and 8 – Stir in the onions, and salt, and mix well. Cook till the onions are soft and golden brown in color.
9 – Add the spices – turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, dry mango (amchur) powder, and Punjabi garam masala, and saute for a few seconds.
10 – Add the chopped tomatoes, mix well, cover, and cook until the tomatoes are soft and mushy (approximately 5 mins).
11 – Mix and mash tomatoes until oil oozes from the side of the masala.
12 – Stir in the cooked dal and mix until well combined.
13 – Adjust the dal consistency to your liking by adding ½ to 1 cup water.
14 – Bring the dal to a simmer. Crush Kasuri Methi between your palms and add it to the dal. Simmer for another 5-6 mins on low-medium heat.
15 – Finally add some chopped cilantro. Mix well. Turn off the heat.
16 – Chana Dal is ready to be served!!
