Chana Dal Recipe (Step by Step)!

Name: Chana Dal Recipe (Step by Step)!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 cup chana dal ( 205 grams ); 3 cups water ( 24 oz , divided, more or less as needed); ½ teaspoon turmeric; 1 & ¼ teaspoons salt (divided, or to taste); 6 large garlic cloves (divided, 4 whole and 2 chopped); 1 & ½ inch ginger; 1 green chili (or use more for extra heat); 2 tablespoons +2 teaspoons oil (divided, 30 ml + 10 ml , I used avocado oil); 1 teaspoon cumin seeds; 3 whole cloves; 2 green cardamom; 1 & ½ inch cinnamon stick; 1 medium red onion ( 160 grams , chopped); 2 medium tomatoes ( 285 grams , chopped); ½ teaspoon coriander powder; ¼ teaspoon garam masala; ½ teaspoon kashmiri red chili powder (this is for color and is not hot); 1 teaspoon kasuri methi (crushed, dried fenugreek leaves); 2 tablespoons cilantro (chopped ); 1 whole dried red chili; piece of charcoal (for dhungar method, optional)

Instructions

Prep:15minCook:30min

My flavor-packed Chana Dal is made with a base of onions, tomatoes and a mix of whole and ground spices. Fresh ingredients make this dal special and it's finished with a smoky tough for that restaurant-style flavor!

Updated at: Mon, 09 Feb 2026 00:01:59 GMT