Masala Black gram (kala chana) Dal

Date: 30-April-2020

Thought: When you are in a hurry and want something quick, easy and spicy to go with the parathas and rice, here is a simple recipe perfect for such situations.

I have created a traditional Jain version. But, you can add onion-garlic paste if you want.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of overnight soaked and boiled black gram / kala chana
• A pinch of Asafoetida
• Some chopped green chillies and coriander leaves
• 1/2 tsp of red chilli powder
• 1 tsp of ginger paste
• 1 small tomato paste
• 1 tsp of garam masala
• 1 tsp of roasted cumin-coriander powder
• 1 whole red chilli 
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp of turmeric
• 1 tsp of oil
• salt, sugar as per taste

Method:

• Take a pan. Keep it on medium flame and add oil followed by whole chilli, a pinch of asafoetida and bay leaf. Then, add the tomato paste , chilli powder, salt and sugar. Adding sugar and chilli powder at this initial stage gives the beautiful red colour to the dish.
• Then as soon as the tomato paste starts leaving oil, add turmeric powder, roasted cumin-coriander powder, green chillies, chopped coriander leaves and garam masala. Keep addinf drizzles of water so that the masala mixture doesn't burn.
• Lastly add the boiled black grams along with the water. Check for seasoning.
• Serve hot with parathas and rice. You can add butter or ghee at the end for extra flavour.