Lauki Chana Dal Recipe

Stewart Martha
16 May, 2024

Discover the perfect Lauki Chana Dal recipe! A symphony of flavors, this nutritious dish awaits. Unveil culinary excellence now. 🍲✨ #LaukiChanaDal #IndianRecipe

Lauki Chana Dal

    Lauki Chana Dal

  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Category: Main Course
  • Prep Time:
  • Cook Time:
  • Servings: 6
  • Calories: 250 calories

About Ingredients Instructions Video Servings Tips Substitutes

Lauki Chana Dal is a wholesome and flavorful Indian dish that brings together two key ingredients: lauki (bottle gourd) and chana dal (split Bengal gram). This culinary creation embodies the richness of Indian cuisine, offering a perfect blend of protein from chana dal and the mild, tender texture of lauki.

To prepare this dish, chana dal is soaked and then cooked with diced pieces of lauki in a fragrant mix of spices. The combination of cumin seeds, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, and red chili powder creates a symphony of flavors that infuse into the dal and lauki, delivering a satisfying taste profile.

Lauki Chana Dal is not only delicious but also nutritionally sound. Chana dal is a good source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, while lauki contributes a unique mildness and a high water content. The result is a dish that is not only fulfilling but also a healthy addition to your meal.

This recipe is a staple in many Indian households, celebrated for its simplicity, affordability, and nutritional value. It pairs well with rice or chapati, making it a versatile choice for lunch or dinner. Whether you are exploring Indian cuisine or looking for a comforting, nutritious dish, Lauki Chana Dal stands out as a delightful and wholesome option.

Recipe

Dive into the aromatic world of Lauki Chana Dal – a tantalizing Indian delight! Uncover the secrets of this nutritious masterpiece in our culinary journey. 🍲✨ #IndianCuisine #HealthyEating

Ingredients

  • 1 cup chana dal (split Bengal gram)
  • 1 medium-sized lauki (bottle gourd), peeled and diced
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 green chilies, chopped
  • 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Method Instructions

  1. Rinse the chana dal thoroughly and soak it in water for about 30 minutes.
  2. Heat oil in a pressure cooker. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
  3. Add chopped onions and green chilies. Sauté until onions turn golden brown.
  4. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
  5. Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and the oil starts to separate.
  6. Add the soaked chana dal and diced lauki. Mix well.
  7. Pour in enough water to cover the dal and lauki. Close the pressure cooker lid and cook for about 3-4 whistles or until the dal is cooked through.
  8. Once the pressure releases, open the cooker and check the consistency. Adjust water if needed.
  9. Sprinkle garam masala and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
  10. Serve hot with rice or chapati.

Recipe Video

Lauki Chana Dal

This is a video about Lauki Chana Dal.

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 68 reviews.

Recipe Tags: Lauki Chana Dal, Lauki Chana Dal Recipe, Recipe

Servings

Lauki Chana Dal can be served in various ways, and it pairs well with different accompaniments. Here are a few suggestions on how to serve it:

  • With Steamed Rice: Lauki Chana Dal complements steamed rice beautifully. The soft texture of the dal and lauki pairs well with the fluffy rice. You can drizzle a bit of ghee on top for added richness.
  • With Chapati or Roti: Enjoy Lauki Chana Dal with freshly made chapatis or rotis. The combination of the mildly spiced dal with the whole wheat goodness of chapatis creates a satisfying and balanced meal.
  • As a Side Dish: It can also be served as a side dish alongside your main course. For example, pairing it with a meat curry or other vegetable dishes can create a diverse and flavorful spread.
  • Garnished with Fresh Coriander: Sprinkle some freshly chopped coriander leaves on top for a burst of freshness and added aroma. This enhances the visual appeal and elevates the overall dining experience.
  • Accompanied by Pickles or Yogurt: Add a dollop of yogurt or serve with your favorite pickles on the side. The tanginess of yogurt or pickles can complement the earthy flavors of the Lauki Chana Dal.

Tips

  1. Soaking Chana Dal: Ensure you soak the chana dal for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps in reducing the cooking time and ensures even cooking of the dal.
  2. Consistency Matters: Adjust the water quantity to achieve your preferred consistency. Some like it thicker, akin to a stew, while others prefer a more soupy texture.
  3. Lauki Selection: Choose a fresh and tender lauki for the best results. The younger bottle gourds are less fibrous and cook faster.
  4. Spice Level: Adjust the amount of green chilies and red chili powder according to your spice tolerance. You can always start with a little and add more later if needed.
  5. Ginger-Garlic Paste: Freshly prepared ginger-garlic paste adds a robust flavor. If you don't have it ready, consider using finely minced ginger and garlic for a similar effect.
  6. Garnish at the End: Sprinkle garam masala and fresh coriander leaves just before serving to retain their flavors and aromas.
  7. Pressure Cooking: If using a pressure cooker, be cautious about the number of whistles to prevent overcooking. Around 3-4 whistles should be sufficient.
  8. Serve Hot: Lauki Chana Dal is best enjoyed when served hot. The warmth enhances the flavors and makes it a comforting meal.
  9. Customization: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding vegetables like carrots or peas for added nutrition and color.
  10. Experiment with Pairings: While rice and chapati are classic choices, don't hesitate to explore other options like quinoa or even crusty bread for a unique twist.

Ingredient Substitutes

If you find yourself missing some ingredients for Lauki Chana Dal, here are a few substitutes you can consider:

  1. Chana Dal (Split Bengal Gram): If you don't have chana dal, you can substitute it with yellow split peas or red lentils (masoor dal). Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
  2. Lauki (Bottle Gourd): Zucchini or ash gourd can be used as alternatives to lauki. While the flavor may differ slightly, the overall concept of a mild, watery vegetable will still work.
  3. Ginger-Garlic Paste: If you don't have pre-made paste, you can use freshly minced ginger and garlic. The ratio is approximately 1:1.
  4. Garam Masala: Make a quick substitute by combining ground cumin, coriander, cardamom, and cinnamon in equal parts. Adjust the proportions to match your taste preferences.
  5. Fresh Coriander Leaves: If you don't have fresh coriander, use parsley for a similar fresh herb flavor. Alternatively, dried coriander can be used sparingly.
  6. Green Chilies: Substitute with red chili flakes or powder according to your spice preference. You can always adjust the quantity to control the heat.
  7. Oil: While ghee or mustard oil is commonly used in Indian cooking, you can substitute with vegetable oil or any neutral-flavored oil.

Remarks

Embark on your culinary adventure with Lauki Chana Dal! May your kitchen be filled with aromatic memories and your taste buds forever delighted. Happy cooking! 🌿🍽️ #IndianCuisine #HomemadeDelights

Next Post Previous Post