Channa Dal Rice: A Delicious and Nutritious Way to Use Up Leftover Rice:
Hey there, fellow foodies! Today, I’m super excited to share with you one of my all-time favorite comfort meals – Channa Dal Rice! This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with wholesome goodness. Channa dal, also known as Bengal gram, is a rich source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Combined with aromatic spices and leftover rice, this dish is a perfect way to turn humble ingredients into a mouthwatering treat.
Chana dal rice is also vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for people with dietary restrictions. It is a versatile dish that can be customized with different spices, herbs and vegetables. You can serve it with raita, salad, papad or pickle for a complete meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 tablespoon shah jeera (caraway seeds)
- 3 cardamom pods
- 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 5 cloves
- 1 tsp ginger and garlic paste
- 1 cup soaked Channa dal (Bengal gram)
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 bowl of leftover rice (preferably cooled)
- 1 tsp taste enhancing masala (you can use your favorite brand)
- 3 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Making Garam Masala:
Let’s kick things off by preparing our own garam masala for that authentic and aromatic touch. Take shah jeera, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves in the quantities mentioned above. Then, grind them together into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Your homemade garam masala is ready to take this dish to a whole new level of flavor!
Instructions:
Step 1: Frying the Onions
Heat 2 tbsp of ghee over medium heat. Once the ghee is slightly hot, add the finely chopped onions and fry them until they turn a lovely golden brown color.
Step 2: Infusing Aromatics
Now, it’s time to add some magic to our dish! Toss in the bay leaf and let it infuse its aromatic goodness into the ghee. Next, add the freshly prepared garam masala we made earlier, and give it all a good stir. The kitchen will soon be filled with irresistible aromas!
Step 3: Adding Ginger-Garlic Paste
Carefully incorporate the ginger and garlic paste into the mixture, and cook it all together for another minute, stirring well to ensure it’s evenly distributed.
Step 4: Cooking Channa Dal
With the kitchen smelling heavenly, it’s time to add the soaked Channa dal into the kadai. Sprinkle some salt and turmeric powder to season it perfectly. Mix everything well, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Simmering Channa Dal
Now, cover the kadai with a lid, and let the Channa dal cook on a low flame. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom. The dal should be tender and cooked through in about 5-10 minutes.
Step 6: Combining Rice and Dal
Once the Channa dal is cooked to perfection, it’s time to bring in the leftover rice. Gently add the rice to the kadai, ensuring it’s well-mixed with the Channa dal. The combination of the dal and rice is what creates the magic of this dish!
Step 7: Seasoning with Masala
Sprinkle a pinch of taste enhancing masala (you can use your preferred brand) over the mixture to elevate the flavors. Then, toss in the finely chopped green chilies and chili powder for that delightful kick. Give it all a final good mix, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.
Step 8: Let It All Blend Together
Now, cover the kadai once more and let the Channa dal rice cook on low heat for another minute or so. This step helps all the flavors come together harmoniously.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Voila! Your mouthwatering Channa Dal Rice is ready to be savored. Before serving, garnish it with fresh coriander leaves for a burst of color and added freshness. The aroma will surely whet your appetite!
Personal Touch:
I absolutely love relishing this soul-soothing Channa Dal Rice on lazy weekends. It reminds me of the warmth and love that only home-cooked meals can bring. Plus, the best part is, this recipe is so versatile! You can tweak the spice levels according to your preference or even add some vegetables like peas or carrots to make it even more wholesome.
So, next time you have some leftover rice lying around, give this Channa Dal Rice a try, and I promise it will become a family favorite in no time. Enjoy this delightful dish with your loved ones and let the flavors take you on a blissful journey.
Happy cooking and happy eating! Bon appétit! 🍽️
