Go Back
chana-dal-11
Print

Chana Dal, Bengali Cholar Dal Recipe

Chana Dal is popularly known as 'Cholar Dal' in Bengal. It is prepared from chana dal (Split Bengal Gram) mixed with a few spices and nuts (optional).
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine Bengali, North Indian
Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 40 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 180kcal

Ingredients

  • 150-200 grams Chana Dal
  • 1-2 Bay Leaves
  • 1-2 dry red chilly
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
  • 1-1.5 teaspoon Badam or Peanuts
  • 1 tablespoon Raisins
  • 4-5 tablespoon Mustard Oil You can use vegetable oil or Ghee instead.
  • 1 medium-sized Tomato
  • 2-4 Green Chilies
  • Salt and Turmeric as required
  • 1/2-1 teaspoon Sugar (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Chili powder
  • Water as required
  • 1 tablespoon chopped Ginger and Garlic You can use Ginger and Garlic paste in the same quantity.

Instructions

How to prepare Chana Dal - Step by Step Recipe:

  • First, rinse off the chana dal in water very well. Soak it in water for at least 1-2 hours.
  • After 2 hours, wash the dal once again. Pressure cook the dal on high flame till 4-5 whistles or as required. Make sure the dal is cooked well.
    chana-dal-01
  • While the dal is getting cooked, chop the tomato into small pieces. Also chop some ginger and garlic.
  • Now, heat some mustard oil in a heavy bottomed pan. Temper it with few cumin seeds, bay leaves and dry red chilies. Also add a few peanut or badam if you want.
    chana-dal-02
  • Then, add the chopped tomatoes and ginger and garlic. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes till the raw flavor is gone.
    chana-dal-03
  • After that, goes in the cooked chana dal.
    chana-dal-04
  • Sprinkle a little salt as per taste. Also add turmeric and red chili powder.
    chana-dal-05
  • Add some cumin and coriander powder.
    chana-dal-06
  • Next pour some extra water if required.
  • Mix all the ingredients very nicely. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook on medium-high flame for about 5-8 minutes. Turn off the flame when the curry consistency becomes perfect for you.
    chana-dal-08
  • Chana Dal is ready to be served.
    chana-dal-12