World Flavors Cookbook

Chana Dal (Split Chickpea Dal)

Pakistani split chickpea dal — nutty and firm, cooked with turmeric and finished with a garlic and cumin tarka, popular with roti.

Cuisine: Pakistan

Ingredients

• 1 cup chana dal (split chickpeas), soaked 1 hour
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 green chilies
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 4 cloves garlic, sliced
• 2 dried red chilies
• 2 tbsp oil or ghee
• Salt, cilantro

Instructions

1. Boil chana dal with turmeric until tender but not mushy, about 30-35 minutes.
2. Add tomatoes, green chilies, and salt. Simmer 5 minutes.
3. Make tarka: heat oil, add cumin seeds, garlic, and dried red chilies. Fry until garlic is golden.
4. Pour sizzling tarka over the dal.
5. Garnish with cilantro. Serve with naan or roti.