Dhokla To Vada: 8 Tasty Recipes You Can Prepare With Chana Dal
Image Credit: Sukla Chakraborty/facebook

Lentils are an integral part of Indian cuisine, and we include them at every meal. Loaded with protein, fibre, and vitamins, they can be easily incorporated into your diet. According to Healthline, consuming lentils daily can manage blood pressure, improve cholesterol, and support weight loss. There are a variety of lentils available in India; some popular ones are split pigeon peas, green lentils, red lentils, and split chickpeas.

Talking particularly about split chickpeas, they are high in soluble fibre, protein, manganese, and potassium. Commonly known as chana dal, it is considered to be the best for diabetic patients as it has almost no sugar and yet provides the body with the required energy. It can be enjoyed with both rice and roti. But if you are bored of your regular chana dal recipe, we have some interesting options for you.

From dhokla to vada, here are eight recipes you can prepare with chana dal:

Chana Dal Dhokla

Video Credits-NishaMadhulika/YouTube

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 4 

Ingredients  

  • 1 cup chana dal (soaked for 3–4 hours) 
  • 1/4 cup rice flour
  • 1/4 cup yoghurt
  • 1 teaspoon of ginger paste 
  • 1 teaspoon of green chilli paste 
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 
  • Salt to taste 
  • 1 tablespoon of oil 
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds 
  • Few curry leaves 
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing 

Method 

  • Grind soaked chana dal into a smooth paste by adding a little water if needed. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chana dal paste, rice flour, yoghurt, ginger paste, green chilli paste, turmeric powder, and salt.
  • Mix well to form a smooth batter. Let it rest for about 20–30 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the steamer by adding water and bringing it to a boil. 
  • Grease a round pan with oil. Set it aside. Then, add baking soda to the batter and mix well. The batter will become frothy. Pour the batter into the greased pan and place it in the steamer. Steam it for about 15–20 minutes.
  • Once cooked, remove the pan from the steamer and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, cut the dhokla into the desired shapes.
  • Heat oil in a small pan and add mustard seeds. Once they start spluttering, add sesame seeds and curry leaves. Sauté for a few seconds and remove from heat. Pour this tempering over the cut dhokla pieces. 
  • Serve the chana dal dhokla garnished with freshly chopped coriander leaves and accompanied by the coconut chutney.

Chana Dal Pitha 

Image Credits-MK Delights/Facebook

 

Total Time: 35 minutes 

Servings- 4 

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup chana dal (soaked) 
  • 1-inch ginger 
  • 2 chillies 
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 2 tablespoons coriander, finely chopped 
  • 3 tablespoons dill leaves, finely chopped 
  • 2 tablespoons curry leaves finely chopped 
  • pinch hing  
  • ½ teaspoon salt 
  • Oil for deep frying

Method 

  • Add soaked chana dal to a mixer along with ginger, chilli, and cumin. Blend to a coarse paste. Transfer the paste to a large mixing bowl and add coriander, dill leaves, curry leaves, hing, and salt. Squeeze and combine them well. 
  • Grease your hand with oil and prepare small balls.. Flatten the vada. Deep fry in hot oil until the dal vada turns golden and crisp. 
  • Finally, serve dal vada hot along with masala chai.