Chana dal fry

Its an everyday story of a mother and a housewife as to what should be on the menu, be it morning, noon or night. And trust me sometimes I m just not in a mood to try or think anything, let alone cook something elaborate. It is at this time I find comfort in my favourite chana dal fry served with steaming rice. Huh! I feel like m in heaven. This is the magic of simple, no fuss food in matter of both eating and cooking.

                                                                       photo by neetu narayan

Ingredients:

1 cup chana dal

1 tsp turmeric

salt to taste

For frying:

1 medium onion chopped

1 tbs chopped garlic

1 tbs chopped ginger

1 tbs chopped green chillies

2 tbs chopped green coriander leaves

1 cup chopped tomatoes

1 tsp cumin seeds

1 pinch of garam masala

1-2 bayleaf

1 tbs ghee

Method:

Pick, wash and soak the dal for 30 minutes. Cook the dal with enough water till its tender and cooked properly (usually I use double ratio of water). Keep aside. Heat ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let splutter. Do not let it burn. Add bay leaves, ginger and sauté till it gets a slight golden colour. Add green chillies and sauté for few seconds. Add chopped onion and sauté till it turns light brown. Add garlic and chopped tomatoes. Mix. Add salt and turmeric. Cover and let it cook till the tomatoes soften and oil separates. Add the dal and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes. Check the consistency. Add water if you want. I like the slightly thicker consistency. Add garam masala and simmer for 1 minute. Garnish with green coriander leaves. Serve with hot steaming rice.