Chana Dal (Easy, Restaurant-Style)
DirectionsStep1Fill a medium pot halfway with water (~8-9 cups) and cover to bring to a boil. Once it comes to a boil, drain the chana dal and add to the boiling water along with the salt. Allow to come to a boil again, using a slotted spo…Step2Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds (they'll immediately start to sizzle) and onions. Sauté, stirring often, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Deglaze the pan with 2 tb…Step3Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another 2 minutes, until aromatic. The onions will have deepened in color. Deglaze again if it starts to stick to the pan.Step4Reduce the heat to low, add the ground spice powders (coriander, red chili, turmeric, cumin), and salt. Stir for 1 minute to bloom the spices.Step5Add the puréed tomato and increase the heat to medium-high. Cook for 3 minutes, until the tomatoes have reduced and the oil starts to release. Add the drained chana dal and stir-fry it with the masala for a minute. …Step6Reduce the heat to medium. Allow the dal to simmer, covered with the lid ajar, for 8-10 minutes to develop flavor. For a creamier texture, use a wooden spoon to mash the dal along the edges. Reduce the heat to low s…Step7Heat oil and butter/ghee in a small frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the green chili peppers and dried chili peppers and sizzle for 15 seconds. Do not allow them to darken. Sprinkle in the ginger and cilantro …Step8Turn off the heat and sprinkle in lemon juice and garam masala. Serve hot with roti, naan, paratha, or riceIngredientsIngredients1 cupChana Dal (Split Desi Chickpeas, washed and rinsed several times, then soaked for at least 1 hour, up to 24 hours