PakistaniEasy

Daal Chana (Split Chickpea Curry)

Name: Daal Chana (Split Chickpea Curry)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Pakistani
Ingredients: 1 cup Chana dal (split chickpeas); 1 large Onion, sliced; 2 Tomatoes, chopped; 1/2 tsp Turmeric; 1 tsp Red chili powder; 1 tsp Cumin seeds; 4 Garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp Ghee or oil; for garnish Coriander leaves

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

30 min

Total Time

40 min

Servings

Step-by-Step Instructions

1
Soak chana dal for 30 minutes. Pressure cook with turmeric and 3 cups water (4-5 whistles).
2
In a pan, heat ghee and crackle cumin seeds.
3
Add onions, cook until deep golden (10 min). Add garlic, cook 1 min.
4
Add tomatoes and chili powder. Cook until tomatoes break down.
5
Mix the tadka into cooked dal. Simmer 5 min. Garnish with coriander. Serve with whole wheat roti.

*Pro Tips

1
Deep golden (not just soft) onions are the key to good Pakistani dal
2
A squeeze of lemon at the end lifts all the flavors

Why It's Diabetic-Friendly

Chana dal has one of the lowest GIs among lentils (GI ~8). High in protein and fiber, it causes minimal blood sugar spikes.

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