• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • ABOUT
  • RECIPES
  • INDIAN 101
  • CONTACT
  • COOKBOOKS

Hooked on Heat logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • ABOUT
  • RECIPES
  • INDIAN 101
  • CONTACT
  • COOKBOOKS
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • ABOUT
    • RECIPES
    • INDIAN 101
    • CONTACT
    • COOKBOOKS
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    YOU ARE HERE: HOME » 30-Minutes or Less!

    Jun 25, 2008 | 36 Comments | THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. THIS BLOG GENERATES INCOME VIA ADS.

    Chana Dal Masala

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    I have a morning ritual of sorts that I like to follow, which includes setting out a fresh pot of coffee to brew, make a dinner plan (Chana Dal Masala for this particular day!), catching up with my emails, and enjoying breakfast while reading through my favourite blogs. This little routine of mine almost always never changes. Except when something (delightfully!) unexpected happens. Like this past Monday morning, for instance.

    Recipe for Chana Dal Masala taken from www.hookedonheat.com. Visit site for detailed recipe.

    As I sipped on my last few drops of coffee, I received an email that instantly caught my eye. The subject simply said: The Mom Show, and its contents blew me away. I was asked if I would be available to do a cooking segment on Indian food for one of their upcoming episodes. They wanted me to show a few simple, kid-friendly recipes and discuss the best ways to introduce young kids to Indian food. Sweet! The catch? It would have to be taped the very next day in the afternoon. What could I say? Me, on TV, on The Mom Show, talking about Indian food? You bet I was available! Once things started to take shape (picking out the menu was a breeze!), and the timing and all other necessities confirmed, I set out to take care of another important task - my wardrobe! What followed, was a really looooong day of running from store to store looking for the perfect outfit, which might I had, didn't quite exist as I had hoped! But whatever, I had a look at the clips after the shoot and think I looked pretty cute yapping away on the best ways to introduce kids to Indian food.

    The taping took merely half an hour, but I was at the studio close to over three hours - prepping the food, and watching the taping of other segments being filmed. Needless to say, it was another long day but one I will never forget! By the time I got home, I was exhausted and the strain of the many hours spent shopping, prepping and finally shooting, made me crave for some homemade comfort food. Chana Dal is definitely one of my personal favourites, and trust me when I say this - no matter how tired you may be, the mere 10 minutes you'll spend in prepping for this meal is truly worth it all the way. But why wait for the dreaded day when you feel that even lifting a finger could drive you to your grave? It tastes just as good when you're your normal happy, active self. I can truly promise you that!

    Recipe for Chana Dal Masala taken from www.hookedonheat.com. Visit site for detailed recipe.
    Print Recipe

    CHANA DAL MASALA (SPICED SPLIT PEA LENTILS)

    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time20 mins
    Total Time30 mins
    Servings: 4
    Author: Meena, www.hookedonheat.com

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoon light cooking oil
    • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
    • ½ teaspoon fennel seeds
    • 1-2 green chillies finely chopped
    • 1 large onion finely chopped
    • ½ teaspoon red chili powder
    • ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
    • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
    • 1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger
    • 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
    • 1 large-sized tomato finely chopped
    • salt to taste
    • 2 cups chana dal (split pea lentils)
    • water as needed
    • fresh coriander leaves chopped for garnish

    Instructions

    • Heat oil in a pressure cooker and sauté cumin seeds, fennel seeds, green chillies, and onions till lightly browned and fragrant. Add in spices and ginger-garlic paste, and fry for a few seconds.
    • Add in the chopped tomatoes and salt, and cook for a few minutes to combine well. Add lentils, and enough water to cover them. Pressure cook for 15-20 minutes till lentils are soft and done. Stir in more water if you want a much thinner consistency, and let it come to a boil.
    • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves, and serve warm with a big bowl of rice.

    If you liked this recipe, you will surely like my Tadka Dal.

    Tried this recipe? Leave a Comment and let me know, also Rate it by clicking the number of stars on the recipe card. Want to share your version with me? Tag me on Instagram @hookedonheat

    Related Posts:

    • Kala Chana Masala or Sukhe Kale Chane: Spiced Brown Chickpeas
      Kala Chana Masala or Sukhe Kale Chane: Spiced Brown…
    • Spicy Masala Devilled Eggs
      Spicy Masala Devilled Eggs
    • Masala Mathri: Spiced Fried Cookies
      Masala Mathri: Spiced Fried Cookies
    • Baingan Masala: Eggplant/Aubergine Curry
      Baingan Masala: Eggplant/Aubergine Curry
    « Tamarind Fish
    Tofu Garlic Noodles »

    Filed Under: 30-Minutes or Less!, Gluten-free, Recent Posts, Recipes: Beans/Lentils, Vegan, Vegetarian

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Henna says

      April 08, 2012 at 2:01 pm

      5 stars
      I've made this a number of times following it to a T, except I don't use a pressure cooker and just simmer away until the daal is cooked... we LOVE it!

      Reply
    2. anthony stemke says

      October 21, 2010 at 12:49 am

      5 stars
      Only just found this gorgeous chana dal recipe. Wonderful.

      Reply
    3. Anne says

      May 29, 2010 at 11:45 am

      5 stars
      Yummy recipe. This looks tasty. I hope my little brother will enjoy this recipe. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    4. Erin says

      November 06, 2009 at 6:34 am

      Any way to format this recipe for use WITHOUT a pressure cooker?

      Reply
      • Meena says

        November 13, 2009 at 11:24 am

        If you don't have a pressure cooker, this is what you can do - simply boil the lentils for 20-25 minutes until each grain is soft enough to crush between your fingers. Then strain them, reserving the liquid, and follow the recipe for frying the onions and tomatoes with the spices. Once that's done, simply add the cooked lentils and some of the reserved liquid, depending on the consistency you want, and let it come to a boil.

        Reply
    5. Asma says

      June 17, 2009 at 12:30 pm

      5 stars
      Love you for putting this recipe up 🙂

      I was looking for something like this with authentic taste since weeks.

      And just tried too ~ its so yummy 🙂

      Thanks dear

      Reply
    6. cathy says

      March 02, 2009 at 12:44 pm

      hi,
      i just wanted to know how to make garlic-ginger paste. could you please put a post on how you make yours? can it be put in the freezer in small single container?

      thank you.

      cathy

      Reply
    7. Jeffery says

      December 31, 2008 at 8:06 pm

      5 stars
      I just wanted to drop a line of greetings and thanks to you. I have used 3 of your recipes now, including this one just today, and your dal makhani last week. They're some of the best I've found anywhere! Thank you for all the great ideas!

      Jeffery

      Reply
    8. Brandi says

      October 27, 2008 at 7:50 pm

      5 stars
      I made this last night for dinner. It was fabulous! I've had channa dal in my pantry and didn't know what to do with them. I added some zucchini in with the tomatoes because I had it on hand. Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
    9. Kay says

      October 24, 2008 at 9:45 am

      5 stars
      Oh Meena! It would be so nice to finally 'see' you. You've been a huge inspiration from the time I started blogging.

      Would you let us know when this show will be aired? OR has it already been aired?

      Reply
    10. Cassie says

      August 26, 2008 at 3:02 pm

      5 stars
      Meena, wanted to comment again to let you know I've made this dish several times since you first posted it and it is always a hit. I've served it to guests twice and even made a pot of it while we were camping recently to share with a large group (for something different from the usual pot of Chili). Everyone loves it!

      Reply
    11. rahul says

      August 03, 2008 at 1:28 pm

      5 stars
      Hi meena, you know Channa Dal is my favorite,It's gone a long time to taste it, I tried it at home and it turned out great. Mazaa aa gaya!

      Reply
    12. Debbie says

      August 02, 2008 at 9:54 pm

      5 stars
      I'm filled with so much excitement at this very moment because I just happened to find you doing a search online. YEA!!! I'll continue to have a look around as I just love your site.

      Reply
    13. At Home with Kim Vallee says

      July 21, 2008 at 12:51 am

      5 stars
      Congratulations on being on TV. This is so exciting for you. If I am making your CHANA DAL MASALA without the pressure cooker, do I need to do other changes besides the cooking time?

      Reply
      • Meena says

        June 21, 2008 at 11:24 am

        Thanks Kim! If you don't have a pressure cooker, this is what you can do - simply boil the lentils for 20-25 minutes until each grain is soft enough to crush between your fingers. Then strain them, reserving the liquid, and follow the recipe for frying the onions and tomatoes with the spices. Once that's done, simply add the cooked lentils and some of the reserved liquid, depending on the consistency you want, and let it come to a boil.

        Reply
    14. Dale says

      July 12, 2008 at 7:55 am

      What exactly are split pea lentls do you need to get them in a Indian store, which I do have access to, i was going to try this recipe today but i am confused and to what to use.
      Thanks
      Dale

      Reply
      • Meena says

        July 13, 2008 at 11:26 am

        It's also called as Chana Dal in Indian stores.

        Reply
    15. Dale says

      July 11, 2008 at 2:36 pm

      5 stars
      I really want to make this recipe, do I have to use a pressure cooker. Also what kind of pressure cooker do you use.
      Thanks Dale

      Reply
      • Meena says

        July 13, 2008 at 11:27 am

        If you don't have a pressure cooker, this is what you can do - simply boil the lentils for 20-25 minutes until each grain is soft enough to crush between your fingers. Then strain them, reserving the liquid, and follow the recipe for frying the onions and tomatoes with the spices. Once that's done, simply add the cooked lentils and some of the reserved liquid, depending on the consistency you want, and let it come to a boil.

        Reply
    16. Sorina says

      July 03, 2008 at 8:03 am

      5 stars
      I like the sound and look of this. I shall mark this on my to-do list.

      Reply
    17. mandira says

      June 30, 2008 at 4:52 pm

      5 stars
      Congratulations Meena, that sounds like fun. Do people in US get to see it too? I know what you mean by dal-chawal as comfort food. It's on my list too with mango pickle 🙂

      Reply
    18. kalva says

      June 26, 2008 at 10:23 pm

      5 stars
      wow looks so good!!

      Reply
    19. Cassie says

      June 26, 2008 at 10:09 pm

      5 stars
      Meena, congratulations! That must have been a very exciting experience to be on The Mom Show! I made this dal for dinner tonight and it is really, really delicious and perfectly spiced. I'm already looking forward to eating the leftovers tomorrow. Thanks for sharing your recipe! 🙂

      Reply
    20. Mallika says

      June 26, 2008 at 1:16 pm

      5 stars
      That's amazing... congratulations! What did you wear eventually and cook, most importantly? Here's to many many more TV appearances.

      Reply
    21. Sangeetha says

      June 26, 2008 at 3:36 am

      5 stars
      Hi Meena....I love ur blog so much...am gonna try this recipie today:)

      Reply
    22. rachel says

      June 26, 2008 at 2:50 am

      5 stars
      Very Very visually appealing...great presentation

      Reply
    23. Karishma says

      June 26, 2008 at 2:49 am

      5 stars
      Congrats on your tv show! If a clipping or a pic or youtube link is available, pls share it too!

      Reply
    24. notyet100 says

      June 26, 2008 at 1:24 am

      5 stars
      looks yummy,,,congrtas..

      Reply
    25. Cynthia says

      June 25, 2008 at 10:49 pm

      5 stars
      Hey! Congratulations! do you think they will post the segment online so we can see it?

      Reply
    26. sunshinemom says

      June 25, 2008 at 9:47 pm

      5 stars
      I too like chana dal in my dal better than tuvar! Very yummy, and simple too:)

      Reply
    27. nags says

      June 25, 2008 at 9:32 pm

      5 stars
      that's a nice and simple recipe for a quick dal dish. i cook the dal first and then do the saute-ing. this seems so much simpler 🙂

      Reply
    28. maheswari says

      June 25, 2008 at 8:37 pm

      5 stars
      That sure is comfort food...beautiful pic.

      Reply
    29. sowmya says

      June 25, 2008 at 8:03 pm

      5 stars
      on tv..thats cool...chana dal masala looks great

      Reply
    30. Christy says

      June 25, 2008 at 5:19 pm

      5 stars
      The food looks divine of course, but the Mom Show !?! Very cool 😉

      Reply
    31. JZ @ Tasty treats says

      June 25, 2008 at 3:40 pm

      5 stars
      congrats to u on ur cameo role! when does it air? 🙂

      Reply
    32. JZ @ Tasty treats says

      June 25, 2008 at 3:38 pm

      5 stars
      oh what a beautiful picture meena!! so inviting! 🙂

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    I would love to show you how simple, delicious and quick family-friendly meals can be created in a heart beat. Read more about me here ...

    LET’S CONNECT

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    New to Indian Cooking?

    Need Inspiration?

    Need Easy Dinner Ideas? Try these!

    Mushroom & Peas Pulao
    Mushroom & Peas Pulao
    Everyday Instant-Pot Dal
    Everyday Instant-Pot Dal
    Sweet Potato & Chicken Coconut Curry
    Sweet Potato & Chicken Coconut Curry
    Alu Chana
    Alu Chana
    Tofu Garlic Noodles
    Tofu Garlic Noodles
    Ginger Shrimp Stir-fry
    Ginger Shrimp Stir-fry

    Footer

    Welcome to Hooked on Heat!

    Hi! I'm Meena, the recipe developer and food photographer behind Hooked on Heat. I am also a cookbook author and cooking instructor. You can find all of my published cookbooks here.

    I would love to show you how simple, delicious and quick family-friendly meals can be created in a heartbeat.

    Learn more about me ->

    MOST POPULAR RECIPES

    Recipe for Sooji Halwa (Semolina Pudding) taken from www.hookedonheat.com. Visit site for detailed recipe.

    Vegan Sooji Halwa: Semolina Pudding

    A bowl of Thai Basil Chicken.

    Thai Basil Chicken

    Recipe for Shakkarpare (Sweet Fried Cookies), taken from www.hookedonheat.com. Visit site for detailed recipe.

    Shakkarpare: Sweet Fried Cookies

    A bowl Jeera Aloo (Potatoes with Cumin).

    Indian Cooking 101: Know your Spice (Jeera Aloo)

    More Popular Recipes

    Need SCHOOL LUNCH IDEAS? Look NO Further!

    Recipe for Egg Fried Rice taken from www.hookedonheat.com. Visit site for detailed recipe.

    Quick & Easy Egg Fried Rice

    Recipe for Chicken Tikka Quesadillas taken from www.hookedonheat.com. Visit site for detailed recipe.

    Chicken Tikka Quesadilla

    Recipe for Spiced Potato Parcels taken from www.hookedonheat.com. Visit site for detailed recipe.

    Spiced Potato Parcels

    Recipe for Chicken Spring Rolls taken from www.hookedonheat.com. Visit site for detailed recipe.

    Spicy Honey-Garlic Spring Rolls

    MORE LUNCHBOX IDEAS

    INSTANT POT RECIPES

    A bowl of Panchmel Dal, also known as Mixed Dal, cooked in an Instant Pot

    Instant Pot Panchmel Dal: Mixed Dal

    A bowl of Bhaji topped with onions and cilantro, served with buttered buns or Pav.

    Instant Pot Pav Bhaji: Vegan Indian-style Sloppy Joes

    Recipe for Palak Dal (Lentils with Spinach) taken from www.hookedonheat.com. Visit site for detailed recipe.

    Palak Dal in an Instant Pot: Lentils with Spinach

    Recipe for Instant Pot Tomato Rice taken from www.hookedonheat.com. Visit site for detailed recipe.

    Instant Pot Tomato Rice

    MORE INSTANT POT RECIPES

    ALL CONTENT INCLUDING IMAGES © 2020 · HOOKED ON HEAT by MEENA AGARWAL.
    Hooked on Heat contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through these links Hooked on Heat receives a small commission that helps support this site at no additional cost to you.