🌟 Authentic Chana Dal Recipe

Chana Dal, a popular Indian dish, features a smaller variety of chickpeas, bringing an authentic, rich flavor to your table. Although not common in Sweden, Swedish yellow lentils make a great substitute, delivering a deliciously hearty experience.

🍽️ Serves: 4

📝 Ingredients:

• 2 dl chana dal or yellow lentils
• 3 + 2 tbsp rapeseed oil
• 2 yellow onions 🧅, sliced
• 1 garlic clove 🧄, chopped
• 1 + 1 dl fresh cilantro 🌿, chopped
• 1 green chili 🌶️, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• Juice of 1½ limes 🍋
• 1 Indian bay leaf, broken into pieces (optional)
• 1½ tsp black or brown mustard seeds
• 1 tbsp coarse mustard
• 1 tsp coriander, finely chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika powder
• 1½ tsp ground turmeric
• A pinch of asafoetida
• 2 Indian bay leaves (optional)
• 250 g cocktail tomatoes 🍅, halved
• 250 g vegetables (sugar snap peas, zucchini, or your choice) 🥒
• 5 dl water 💧
• 1 tbsp sugar
• Salt 🧂 to taste

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Prepare the Lentils:

   • Rinse the chana dal or yellow lentils thoroughly until the water runs clear. Set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

   • In a large pot, heat 3 tbsp of rapeseed oil. Add the sliced onions 🧅 and chopped garlic 🧄. Sauté until the onions turn soft and translucent.

3. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • While the onion cooks, use a mortar to grind 1 dl of fresh cilantro 🌿, green chili 🌶️, ginger, lime juice 🍋, 2 tbsp rapeseed oil, 1 crumbled bay leaf, and ½ tsp mustard seeds into a paste.

4. Add Spices:

   • Add the cilantro paste to the softened onions, followed by the coarse mustard and all the dry spices. Stir for a minute to release the flavors.

5. Cook the Lentils:

   • Add the rinsed lentils to the pot and sauté for a few more minutes, ensuring the spices coat them well.

6. Simmer with Vegetables:

   • Add the halved cocktail tomatoes 🍅 and your choice of vegetables 🥒. Stir in a bit of sugar and salt 🧂, then pour in 5 dl of water 💧. Let it simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy.

7. Mash & Adjust:

   • Lightly mash some of the lentils against the side of the pot to thicken the stew. If needed, add a bit more water 💧 for your desired consistency.

8. Final Touch:

   • Taste and adjust with more salt 🧂 or sugar if needed. Garnish with the remaining 1 dl of fresh cilantro 🌿.

🍛 Serve & Enjoy!

Pair this flavorful Chana Dal with steamed rice, warm naan, or a fresh salad. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of this classic Indian dish!