Fried Chana Dal Salan Recipe: A Delicious and Flavorful Dish

Fried Chana Dal Salan About:

Fried chana dal salan is a savory and spicy South Asian curry made with fried chana dal (split Bengal gram) as the main ingredient. To make this dish, the chana dal is first soaked and fried until crispy, then added to a spiced tomato and onion gravy. The gravy is made with a blend of aromatic spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder, which give the dish its signature flavor and heat. The addition of tamarind paste or lemon juice gives the curry a tangy twist. Fried chana dal salan is typically served with rice or flatbread and makes for a delicious and filling meal. It is a popular dish in South Asian cuisine and is often enjoyed during special occasions and festivals.

Health Benefits of Fried Chana Dal Salan :

While fried chana dal salan is a flavorful and satisfying dish, it is important to keep in mind that it should be consumed in moderation as it is a high-calorie and high-fat food. However, there are several health benefits associated with the ingredients used in this dish. Here are some of the health benefits of fried chana dal salan:

Rich in protein: Chana dal is the main ingredient in this dish and is a great source of plant-based protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

High in fiber: The use of chana dal and vegetables like onions and tomatoes in the salan makes it high in dietary fiber, which can help promote digestive health and may lower the risk of heart disease.

Contains vitamins and minerals: The use of spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder in the salan not only enhances the flavor but also provides important vitamins and minerals like iron, magnesium, and vitamin C.

May help with weight management: The high protein and fiber content in the chana dal and vegetables can help promote feelings of fullness and may aid in weight management.

Overall, fried chana dal salan is a nutritious dish that offers several health benefits. However, it is important to consume it in moderation and balance it with other healthy foods to avoid overconsumption of calories and fat.

Fried Chana Dal Salan Taste:

Fried chana dal salan has a rich and flavorful taste that is both savory and spicy. The use of fried chana dal gives the dish a crunchy texture that is complemented by the tender vegetables in the gravy. The blend of aromatic spices used in the dish, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder, give it a complex and delicious flavor profile. The addition of tamarind paste or lemon juice gives the dish a tangy twist that balances out the heat from the spices. Overall, the taste of fried chana dal salan is a delightful blend of textures and flavors that makes for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Fried Chana Dal Salan Tips:

Here are some tips for making delicious fried chana dal salan:

Soak the chana dal: Before frying the chana dal, it's important to soak it in water for at least 2-3 hours. This will help soften the dal and reduce the cooking time.

Fry the chana dal until crispy: It's important to fry the chana dal until it is crispy and golden brown. This will give it a nice crunch and add to the texture of the dish.

Use fresh spices: To get the best flavor from the spices, use fresh, whole spices instead of pre-ground spices. Toasting the spices before adding them to the dish will also help bring out their flavor.

Adjust the heat: Fried chana dal salan is typically a spicy dish, but you can adjust the heat level to your preference by adding more or less chili powder.

Balance the flavors: The addition of tamarind paste or lemon juice gives the dish a tangy flavor that balances out the heat from the spices. Be sure to taste the dish as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed to balance the flavors.

Serve with rice or flatbread: Fried chana dal salan is typically served with rice or flatbread, such as naan or roti. The starch helps balance out the spicy and savory flavors of the dish.

How To Make Fried Chana Dal Salan:

Here's a recipe for making fried chana dal salan:

Ingredients:

1 cup chana dal (split Bengal gram)

1 onion, finely chopped

2 tomatoes, finely chopped

1 green chili, slit

1 tsp ginger-garlic paste

1 tsp cumin seeds

1 tsp coriander powder

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp red chili powder

2 tbsp oil

Salt to taste

1 tbsp tamarind paste or 1 tbsp lemon juice

Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

Soak the chana dal in water for 2-3 hours.

Drain the water and pat dry the chana dal with a kitchen towel.

Heat oil in a pan and add the chana dal.

Fry the chana dal on medium heat until it is golden brown and crispy.

Remove the chana dal from the pan and set it aside.

In the same pan, add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.

Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute.

Add chopped tomatoes and green chili and cook until the tomatoes become soft and mushy.

Add coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt to taste.

Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes.

Add fried chana dal to the pan and mix well.

Add enough water to cover the chana dal.

Cover the pan and let the chana dal cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes.

Add tamarind paste or lemon juice and mix well.

Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or flatbread.

Enjoy your delicious fried chana dal salan!