Lauki Chana Dal Recipe
Introduction
Lauki Chana Dal is a nutritious and comforting North Indian dish made with bottle gourd and chana dal. This dish has the mild flavour of bottle gourd with the earthy flavour of chana dal, which is enhanced with a blend of aromatic spices. It is a nutritious and healthy recipe that is perfect for everyday meals. Here is a detailed guide to make Lauki Chana Dal at home.
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Ingredients
To make Lauki Chana Dal you will need the following ingredients:
1 cup chana dal, soaked for 12 hours
1 medium-sized bottle gourd, peeled and chopped
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
12 green chillies, chopped (optional)
1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
1 large tomato, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
Salt to taste
Chopped fresh coriander leaves for garnishing
Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Preparation:
Soak 1 cup chana dal in water for 12 hours. Drain the water and keep aside.
Peel the bottle gourd and chop it into small pieces.
Finely chop the onion and tomato. Chop the green chillies too, if using.
Keep all the easily available spices and ingredients ready while cooking.
2. Cooking the chana dal:
In a pressure cooker, add the soaked and drained chana dal, 2 cups of water and a pinch of turmeric powder.
Close the lid and cook on medium heat for about 34 whistles till the dal is cooked but not mushy.
Once the pressure releases on its own, open the lid and keep the cooked dal aside. If you don't have a pressure cooker, you can also cook the dal in a pot, but it will take more time.
3. Preparing the lauki:
Heat 2 tbsp oil or ghee in a large pan or kadhai on medium heat. Add 1 tsp cumin seeds and sauté for a few seconds till the aroma comes out.
Add finely chopped onion and chopped green chillies to the pan. Saute till the onion turns golden brown, stirring occasionally.
Add 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute till the raw smell disappears.
4. Cooking the vegetables:
Add the finely chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook them until they are soft and mushy, about 34 minutes.
Add 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon red chili powder, and 1 teaspoon coriander powder. Mix well and cook the spices for a minute.
Add the chopped bottle gourd to the pan and mix to coat the pieces with the spice mixture. Cook for about 56 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bottle gourd begins to soften.
5. Mixing the dal and bottle gourd:
Add the cooked chana dal to the pan with the bottle gourd and mix gently.
Add salt to taste and about 1 cup of water (or as needed) to get the desired consistency. Mix well.
Cover the pan and let the mixture cook on low flame for about 10-12 minutes until the bottle gourd is soft and all the flavors blend together.
6. Final Touch:
Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon garam masala over the dish and mix gently.
Turn off the flame and garnish the lauki chana dal with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
7. How to Serve:
Serve lauki chana dal hot with steamed rice, chapatis or parathas. It can also be served with curd or a simple salad.
If desired, serve with a slice of lemon for a fresh, tangy flavour.
Tips and Variations
Soaking chana dal: Soaking chana dal reduces the cooking time and ensures that it cooks evenly. If time is short, soak in warm water for at least 30 minutes.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of green chillies and red chilli powder as per your spice preference.
Consistency: Adjust the amount of water as per your preference. Some people like it thick, while others like a soup-like texture.
Additional Vegetables: You can also add other vegetables like carrots or peas for extra nutrition and flavour.
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Conclusion
Lauki Chana Dal is a nutritious and satisfying dish that has the goodness of bottle gourd and chana dal. It is rich in protein, fibre and essential nutrients, making it a great option for a healthy meal. Follow this recipe to prepare delicious and nutritious Lauki Chana Dal that your family and friends will love. Enjoy it with rice or roti for a complete and balanced meal.
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