How to Make Chana Dal Palak Tadka, Indian Vegetarian Recipe
The Chana Dal Palak Tadka recipe is a traditional Indian dish that brings together the hearty goodness of chana dal (split chickpeas) and the vibrant freshness of palak (spinach). This nutritious combination not only tantalizes the taste buds but also packs a powerful punch of health benefits, making it a staple in many Indian households.
The chana dal palak is the most-liked and classic source of plant-based proteins, especially for vegetarians and vegans. The dish can be easily adapted to suit various dietary preferences and restrictions, making it treasured among vegetarians and those looking for gluten-free options.
The mild nutty flavor of chana dal beautifully complements the earthy taste of spinach and creates a harmonious balance of flavors. Chana dal is known for its rich protein content and is an excellent source of essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Spinach is celebrated for its high iron and calcium content, along with a range of vitamins such as A, C, and K. Together, these ingredients make Chana Dal Palak a powerhouse of nutrition, ideal for those seeking a healthy, balanced diet.
This chana dal palak tadka recipe is simple yet delicious, healthy, and fully protein-packed. The health benefits of Chana Dal Palak are numerous. The high protein and fiber content in chana dal aids in digestion and helps maintain blood sugar levels, making it an excellent option for those with diabetes. Spinach, rich in antioxidants, supports immune function and promotes healthy skin and hair. Together, they provide a well-rounded meal that supports overall health and well-being.
One of the main attractions of Chana Dal Palak is its versatility. It can be served as a main dish accompanied by rice or roti or as a side dish to complement a larger meal. Moreover, the simplicity of its ingredients and preparation means it can be whipped up with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend cooking, such as the Monday office lunch box.
This chana dal palak is the perfect dish for the fussy kids to eat green leafy vegetables. You can always replace the chana dal with any lentil or a combination of two or three lentils of your choice. Spinach also can be replaced with fenugreek leaves as per the taste. Also, this chana dal palak dish tastes wonderful even without onion and garlic; skip it if you enjoy satvik food.
Although palak(spinach) is a seasonal winter crop, this chana dal palak should be on the home menu card at least every week, considering the advantages and health benefits.
Please try this healthy and mouth-watering chana dal palak recipe and enjoy it with your family. If you want the chana dal palak recipe in Hindi, or चना दाल पालक सब्जी then watch the video and follow the step-by-step instructions shared with the photos, and make this dish easily by adding nutritious value to your family meal.
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Table of Contents
Recipe Video
Recipe Card
How to Make Chana Dal Palak Tadka, Indian Vegetarian Recipe
Ingredients
- ¾ cup Chana Dal (Split Chickpeas)
- 1 Onion
- 1 Tomato
- 1 cup Spinach Finely chopped
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 1 piece Cinnamon Stick
- 1 Small Cardamom
- 3 -4 Cloves
- 1 Star Anise
- ¼ tsp Turmeric Powder
- ¼ tsp Ghee
- 2 Green Chili
- 1 inch Ginger
- 1 tbsp Garlic
- ½ tsp Cumin Seeds
- ¼ tsp Asafoetida
- 2 tbsp Oil
- ½ tbsp Coriander Powder
- ¼ tsp Red Chilli Powder
- ½ tsp Cumin Powder
- ½ tsp Kasuri Methi
- ¼ tsp King Kitchen Masala
- Fresh Coriander Garnish
- Salt as per taste
- 1½ to 2 cups Water for boiling
- 2 tbsp Ghee
- 3 Dried Red Chilli
- 1 tsp Garlic
- ¼ tsp Kashmiri Chili Powder
- 3 Green Chili Slit
Instructions
- Wash ¾ cup of chana dal (split chickpeas) with water twice or thrice and soak it for one hour.
- After one hour, drain the water. Add the chana dal and 1½ to 2 cups of water to a pressure cooker. Cook on a medium flame without the lid.
- Remove the foam from the lentil.
- Add one bay leaf, 3 to 4 cloves, one piece of cinnamon stick, 1 star anise, one small cardamom, ¼ tsp of turmeric powder, ¼ tsp of ghee, and stir well.
- Cover and cook until 3 to 4 whistles or until soft.
- Take around 2 to 3 tbsp of boiled lentils and make a fine paste. Keep it aside.Tip*- This will thicken the gravy.
- Add 2 tbsp of oil to a pan. Once the oil is hot, add ½ tsp of cumin seeds and ¼ tsp of asafoetid. Saute it for a minute.
- Add one chopped onion and saute it for a minute or two.
- Add one-inch ginger and one tbsp of garlic finely chopped, and saute until golden in color.
- The mixture has turned golden in color.
- Add two chopped green chilies, one tomato, and a little salt. Saute it for one or two.
- Add a few tbsp of water and cover the pan to cook the tomatoes until soft.
- Once the tomatoes are soft, add ¼ tsp of red chili powder, ½ tbsp of coriander powder, ½ tsp of cumin powder, a few drops of water, and mix it well.
- Add one cup of chopped spinach and saute it for a minute.
- Cover with a lid and simmer it for a minute.
- Add boiled chana dal, prepared lentil paste, ½ tsp of kasuri methi, ¼ tsp of king kitchen masala, and mix all the ingredients well.Tip* – Add one to two tbsp of gram flour instead of lentil paste to thicken the gravy.
- Cover and simmer for five minutes on a low to medium flame.
- Add some fresh coriander and mix it well. The dal is ready.
- For tempering, add 2 tbsp of ghee in a pan. Once the ghee is hot, add ½ tsp of cumin seeds, 1 tsp of chopped garlic, 1 tsp of fresh coriander, three dry red chilies, three green chilies (slit), ¼ tsp of Kashmiri chili powder and mix it well. Spread it evenly over the dal and mix well.
- Serve chana dal palak tadka hot with jeera rice or paratha.
How to Make Chana Dal Palak at Home Step-by-Step Photos
- Wash ¾ cup of chana dal (split chickpeas) with water twice or thrice and soak it for one hour.
- After one hour, drain the water. Add the chana dal and 1½ to 2 cups of water to a pressure cooker. Cook on a medium flame without the lid. Remove the foam from the lentil.
- Add one bay leaf, 3 to 4 cloves, one piece of cinnamon stick, 1 star anise, one small cardamom, ¼ tsp of turmeric powder, ¼ tsp of ghee, and stir well.
- Cover and cook until 3 to 4 whistles or until soft.
- Take around 2 to 3 tbsp of boiled lentils and make a fine paste. Keep it aside. Tip*- This will thicken the gravy.
- Add 2 tbsp of oil to a pan. Once the oil is hot, add ½ tsp of cumin seeds and ¼ tsp of asafoetid. Saute it for a minute.
- Add one chopped onion and saute it for a minute or two.
- Add one-inch ginger and one tbsp of garlic finely chopped, and saute until golden in color.
- The mixture has turned golden in color.
- Add two chopped green chilies, one tomato, and a little salt. Saute it for one or two.
- Add a few tbsp of water and cover the pan to cook the tomatoes until soft.
- Once the tomatoes are soft, add ¼ tsp of red chili powder, ½ tbsp of coriander powder, ½ tsp of cumin powder, a few drops of water, and mix it well.
- Add one cup of chopped spinach and saute it for a minute.
- Cover with a lid and simmer it for a minute.
- Add boiled chana dal, prepared lentil paste, ½ tsp of kasuri methi, ¼ tsp of king kitchen masala, and mix all the ingredients well.Tip* – Add one to two tbsp of gram flour instead of lentil paste to thicken the gravy.
- Cover and simmer for five minutes on a low to medium flame.
- Add some fresh coriander and mix it well. The dal is ready.
- For tempering, add 2 tbsp of ghee in a pan. Once the ghee is hot, add ½ tsp of cumin seeds, 1 tsp of chopped garlic, 1 tsp of fresh coriander, three dry red chilies, three green chilies (slit), ¼ tsp of Kashmiri chili powder and mix it well. Spread it evenly over the dal and mix well.
- Serve chana dal palak tadka hot with jeera rice or paratha
FAQs
What is dal palak made of?
The Dal Palak Tadka recipe is a traditional Indian dish that brings together the hearty goodness of dal (lentils), spices, herbs, and the vibrant freshness of palak (spinach). This nutritious combination not only tantalizes the taste buds but also packs a powerful punch of health benefits, making it a staple in many Indian households.
Is chana dal palak healthy and a balanced diet?
The mild nutty flavor of chana dal beautifully complements the earthy taste of spinach and creates a harmonious balance of flavors. Chana dal is known for its rich protein content and is an excellent source of essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Spinach is celebrated for its high iron and calcium content, along with a range of vitamins such as A, C, and K. Together, these ingredients make Chana Dal Palak a powerhouse of nutrition, ideal for those seeking a healthy, balanced diet.
What are the benefits of chana dal palak?
The chana dal palak recipe is simple yet delicious, healthy, and fully protein-packed. The health benefits of Chana Dal Palak are numerous. The high protein and fiber content in chana dal aids in digestion and helps maintain blood sugar levels, making it an excellent option for those with diabetes. Spinach is rich in antioxidants, supports immune function, and promotes healthy skin and hair. Together, they provide a well-rounded meal that supports overall health and well-being.
Conclusion
Chana Dal Palak is more than just a dish. It’s an Indian delicacy that celebrates wholesome ingredients and culinary traditions. Whether you’re looking for comfort food or a nutritious meal, this delightful combination of chana dal and spinach will satisfy your cravings and nourish your body. Embrace the flavors and health benefits of Chana Dal Palak and let it become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire.