Urad Chana dal also called Maa Chole ki dal is a delicious protein-rich, vegan and gluten-free Indian lentil recipe. Made with split black gram (urad dal) and Bengal gram (chana dal), this lentil dish can be served with rice or any Indian bread. It can also be enjoyed as a thick, nutritious soup.
Wash the lentils and put in a pressure cooker with salt, turmeric powder, and water. Cook till 4 whistles on medium flame. Switch off the gas and keep aside.
Heat oil in a pot, add dry red chili pieces and fenugreek seeds. Saute for about a minute or till they become fragrant and change color.
Add garlic and saute till its raw smell goes away.
Next, add the onion. Saute till it starts turning golden brown.
Once the onion turns brown, add red chili powder, and coriander powder with around a tablespoon of water to avoid burning of spices. Saute for a few seconds till the spices become fragrant.
Add the chopped tomatoes and green chilies. Mix and cook till tomatoes mushy and get nicely cooked.
Pour the boiled lentil to the pot. Add garam masala, crushed fenugreek leaves, grated ginger, and coriander leaves. Mix well, cover and allow to simmer for around 5 minutes.
Garnish with chopped coriander leaves. Serve with rice or any Indian bread
Notes
You can also use instant pot or a normal pot to cook this lentil recipe. If using a nirnal time, cooking time will increase to more than an hour.