Maharashtrian cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors, especially when it comes to vegetarian dishes that pack a punch without being too heavy. Today, we explore one such dish: the traditional Maharashtrian Chana Dal Recipe. This dal, when prepared with the authentic touch, not only satiates hunger but also pleases the palate with its subtle spiciness and creamy texture.
Ingredients for Maharashtrian Chana Dal
- 1 cup chana dal (split Bengal gram), rinsed and soaked for 2-3 hours
- 2 tablespoons oil (preferably mustard oil for that authentic taste)
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
- 8-10 curry leaves
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1 inch ginger, finely chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, crushed (optional, for a slight twist)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon (optional)
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Preparation Steps
Soaking and Cooking the Dal
- Soak chana dal for 2-3 hours. Drain and rinse.
- Pressure cook the dal with 3 cups of water and 1/2 teaspoon salt for 3-4 whistles or until it's soft but not mushy.
Spice Up Your Dal
- Heat oil in a pan. Once hot, add mustard seeds and let them crackle.
- Follow with cumin seeds, asafoetida, curry leaves, and slit green chilies. Sauté for a minute.
- Add ginger and optional garlic, sauté until the raw smell disappears.
- Add onions and cook until they turn golden brown.
- Stir in the tomatoes and cook until they are mushy and oil separates.
- Add turmeric, chili, and garam masala powder. Cook for another minute.
Combining Dal and Spices
- Add the cooked dal to the spice mixture, adjust the consistency with hot water if needed.
- Season with salt, and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes so the flavors meld.
- If you like a tangy flavor, add lemon juice at this stage.
Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with bhakri, chapati, or rice. For an authentic Maharashtrian meal, pair with koshimbir (a local cucumber salad).
Variations
- Sweet and Spicy: Add a spoonful of grated jaggery or sugar with the tomatoes for a slight sweetness that complements the spicy notes.
- Spice Level: Adjust chili powder according to your heat tolerance. You can also use Kolhapuri chili powder for an intense flavor.
- Coconut Twist: Grate fresh coconut and sprinkle it on top for a Maharashtrian touch.
✨ Note: Always taste the dal before serving to adjust seasoning. Remember, flavors might mellow down with time, so be generous with spices if you are making it in advance.
This Maharashtrian Chana Dal recipe is an epitome of simplicity leading to rich flavors. It's a testament to how a few well-chosen ingredients can create a dish that's both comforting and sophisticated. It’s also versatile enough to be adapted to personal taste preferences or dietary restrictions, making it a perfect dish for any gathering or even a comforting meal for one.
Can I skip soaking the dal?
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Yes, but it will increase the cooking time. Soaking helps in softening the dal and reducing the cooking time.
What if I don’t have garam masala?
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You can use a mix of ground cumin, coriander, and a pinch of nutmeg as a substitute for garam masala.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
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Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan if you skip the optional ghee for tempering, using only plant-based oil instead.
Related Terms:
- recipe of maharashtrian chana dal
- How to make Maharashtrian dal
- Maharashtrian Garam masala recipe
- Mix dal amti recipe
- Recipes Maharashtrian food Marathi
- Maharashtrian Vegetarian Recipes
