Lauki Chana Dal dish served in a bowl with garnishes.

Lauki Chana Dal

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Why Make This Recipe

Lauki Chana Dal is a delightful and healthy dish that is not only quick to make but also packed with nutrition. This recipe brings together the goodness of bottle gourd, which is low in calories and high in water content, with the protein-rich split chickpeas. Together, they create a comforting meal that warms the heart and satisfies the palate. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish can be ready in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for families looking for a wholesome meal without the fuss.

How to Make Lauki Chana Dal

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium Bottle Gourd (Lauki) (Can substitute with zucchini if unavailable.)
  • 1 cup Split Chickpea (Chana Dal) (Must be soaked overnight for even cooking.)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (Can substitute with neutral oil like vegetable or canola.)
  • 1 medium Onion (Can use shallots for a milder flavor.)
  • 2 tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste (Can substitute with freshly grated ginger and minced garlic.)
  • 1 Green Pepper (Substitute with jalapeño for more spiciness.)
  • 1 Tomato (Use canned tomatoes when fresh are not available.)
  • 2 black cardamoms (For aromatic flavors.)
  • 4 green cardamoms (For aromatic flavors.)
  • 5 black peppercorns (For aromatic flavors.)
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds (For aromatic flavors.)
  • 4 cloves (For aromatic flavors.)
  • 1.5 tsp Kosher Salt (Adjust to taste.)
  • 1.5 tsp Red Chili Powder (Adjust for heat preference.)
  • 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 2 tbsp Coriander Powder
  • 1 tsp Cumin Powder
  • 0.25 tsp Garam Masala
  • Fresh Mint (Brightens the dish.)
  • Cilantro (Complements the flavors beautifully.)

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Chana Dal: After soaking the chana dal overnight, rinse it thoroughly and set it aside.
  2. Chop the Vegetables: Peel and chop the bottle gourd into small cubes, dice the onion, and chop the green pepper and tomato.
  3. Cook the Spices: In a pot, heat the olive oil on medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, black cardamoms, green cardamoms, black peppercorns, and cloves. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
  4. Sauté Onions: Add the chopped onion and cook until they turn golden brown.
  5. Add Ginger-Garlic Paste: Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute.
  6. Combine Ingredients: Add the chopped bottle gourd, green pepper, and tomato to the pot. Mix well.
  7. Add Spices and Chana Dal: Sprinkle in the salt, red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and the soaked chana dal. Stir to combine.
  8. Simmer: Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the dal is cooked and the bottle gourd is tender.
  9. Final Touch: Once cooked, add garam masala, chopped mint, and cilantro. Stir well and cook for a few more minutes.
  10. Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot.

How to Serve Lauki Chana Dal

Lauki Chana Dal is best served warm. You can enjoy it with steamed rice, jeera rice, or flatbreads like roti or naan. Garnish with fresh cilantro and mint for an added touch of flavor. A side of yogurt or a simple cucumber salad can also enhance your meal.

How to Store Lauki Chana Dal

If you have leftovers, let the Lauki Chana Dal cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much.

Tips to Make Lauki Chana Dal

  • Soak the chana dal overnight for the best texture and faster cooking.
  • Adjust the spices according to your heat preference. You can add more or less red chili powder.
  • If you prefer a creamier texture, blend a portion of the dal before adding garnishes.

Variation

You can customize Lauki Chana Dal by adding other vegetables like spinach, carrots, or peas for more flavors and nutrients. Additionally, substituting the bottle gourd with zucchini will give a slightly different taste but will still be delicious.

FAQs

1. Can I make Lauki Chana Dal without an onion?
Yes, you can skip the onion or replace it with a small amount of asafoetida (hing) for flavor.

2. Is it possible to freeze Lauki Chana Dal?
Yes, you can freeze Lauki Chana Dal. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw and heat it before serving.

3. How can I make Lauki Chana Dal spicier?
You can increase the amount of green pepper or add chopped green chilies for an extra kick of flavor.

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Lauki Chana Dal

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  • Author: jurgentukur
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

A delightful and healthy dish made with bottle gourd and protein-rich split chickpeas, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium Bottle Gourd (Lauki)
  • 1 cup Split Chickpea (Chana Dal, soaked overnight)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 medium Onion
  • 2 tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste
  • 1 Green Pepper
  • 1 Tomato
  • 2 black cardamoms
  • 4 green cardamoms
  • 5 black peppercorns
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 4 cloves
  • 1.5 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1.5 tsp Red Chili Powder
  • 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 2 tbsp Coriander Powder
  • 1 tsp Cumin Powder
  • 0.25 tsp Garam Masala
  • Fresh Mint
  • Cilantro

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chana Dal: After soaking the chana dal overnight, rinse it thoroughly and set it aside.
  2. Chop the Vegetables: Peel and chop the bottle gourd into small cubes, dice the onion, and chop the green pepper and tomato.
  3. Cook the Spices: In a pot, heat the olive oil on medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, black cardamoms, green cardamoms, black peppercorns, and cloves. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
  4. Sauté Onions: Add the chopped onion and cook until they turn golden brown.
  5. Add Ginger-Garlic Paste: Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute.
  6. Combine Ingredients: Add the chopped bottle gourd, green pepper, and tomato to the pot. Mix well.
  7. Add Spices and Chana Dal: Sprinkle in the salt, red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and the soaked chana dal. Stir to combine.
  8. Simmer: Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the dal is cooked and the bottle gourd is tender.
  9. Final Touch: Once cooked, add garam masala, chopped mint, and cilantro. Stir well and cook for a few more minutes.
  10. Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot.

Notes

Best served warm with steamed rice, jeera rice, or flatbreads like roti or naan. Can be garnished with fresh cilantro and mint.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: Indian

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