Lauki Chana Dal Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup chana dal (split chickpeas)
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups lauki (bottle gourd), peeled and chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 green chili, chopped
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp oil
- 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves

Special equipment needed: None

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Rinse the chana dal in water and soak it for 30 minutes.
2. In a pressure cooker, add the soaked chana dal, water, lauki, onion, tomato, green chili, ginger-garlic paste, cumin seeds, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
3. Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook on high heat until you hear 3-4 whistles.
4. Turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally.
5. Open the lid of the pressure cooker and mix well.
6. Heat oil in a pan and add the cooked dal and lauki mixture.
7. Cook for 5-7 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally.
8. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot.

45 minutes
Temperature: Pressure cooker on high heat
Serving size: 4

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 12g
- Fiber: 10g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chana dal can be substituted with any other lentil.
- Lauki can be substituted with zucchini or squash.
- Green chili can be substituted with red chili flakes.

Variations:
- Add a pinch of garam masala for extra flavor.
- Add a dollop of yogurt on top for a creamy texture.

Tips and tricks:
- Soaking the chana dal beforehand will help it cook faster.
- Do not overcook the lauki as it can become mushy.

Storage instructions:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in a pan on medium heat until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve in a bowl with a sprinkle of coriander leaves on top.

Garnishes:
- Chopped coriander leaves

Pairings:
- Serve with rice or roti.

Suggested side dishes:
- Raita (yogurt dip)
- Papad (crispy flatbread)

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dal is too thick, add some water to thin it out.
- If the dal is too thin, cook it for a few more minutes to thicken it.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash all vegetables thoroughly before using them.

Food history:
- Lauki chana dal is a popular North Indian dish that is often served with rice or roti.

Flavor profiles:
- Spicy, savory, and slightly sweet.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot with rice or roti.

Related Categories

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Region: Indian

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Spicy, Earthy, Nutty