Lauki Chana Dal Recipe - Healthy and wholesome Indian curry

Introduction To Lauki Chana Dal Recipe 

       Lauki Chana Dal with Channa dal is a wholesome and nourishing dish that beautifully combines the delicate flavor of bottle gourd (lauki) with the rich, earthy taste of split Bengal gram (chana dal).This traditional Indian recipe is known for its simplicity and health benefits, making it a favorite in many homes.  Mostly people also like Lauki Kofta  because it's easy to make and also healthy.

The lauki adds a gentle sweetness and softness, while the chana dal provides a satisfying bite and protein content. Together, they create a hearty and comforting meal that’s not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients.Whether served with steamed Basmati Rice  or warm Roti, Lauki Dal with Chana Dal is a dish that brings comfort and warmth to any table, making it perfect for everyday meals. Now, Let's make Lauki Chana dal  with SK.in a simple and easy way. 

🕒 Recipe Details:

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 4

📑 Ingredients For Lauki Chana Dal :

• Chana dal – 300 g

• Bottle gourd (lauki) – 500 g, chopped

• Cumin seeds – ½ tsp

• Curry leaves – 1-2

• Red chilli powder – 1 tsp

• Onion – 2, chopped

• Green chillies – 1-2, chopped

• Tomato – 2, chopped

• Garam masala – 1 tsp

• Kitchen king masala – 1 tsp

• Coriander powder – 1 tsp

• Turmeric powder – 1 tsp

• Deggi mirch – 1 tsp

• Salt – to taste (1–2 tsp)

• Coriander leaves – ¼ cup, chopped

• Lemon juice – 1 tsp

• Chana masala – 1 tsp

• Onion – 1, chopped (for garnish)

• Refined oil – 3 tbsp

• Water – 4 cups (as required)

• Desi ghee – 1 tsp (optional)

🍜 How To Make Lauki Chana Dal Step - by -Step recipe :

Step 1: Soak Chana Dal: 

• Rinse chana dal and soak in salted water for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Lauki:

•  Peel and chop lauki into small cubes.

Step 3: Pressure Cook: 

• Add dal, lauki, salt, turmeric, and water in a pressure cooker. Cook for 3–4 whistles.

Step 4: Prepare Tadka:

•  In a pan, heat oil. Add cumin seeds and curry leaves. Sauté for a few seconds.

Step 5: Sauté Veggies: 

• Add chopped onions and cook until golden. Add turmeric, red chilli powder, and salt. Sauté for 3–4 minutes.

Step 6:Add Tomatoes: 

• Add tomatoes and green chillies. Cook until soft. Add garam masala, kitchen king masala, and coriander powder.

Step 7: Combine: 

• Add cooked dal and lauki. Mix and cook for 5 minutes. Add water if needed. Lightly mash and simmer for 5–7 minutes.

Step 8: Garnish: 

• Add coriander leaves, lemon juice, and chana masala. Garnish with chopped onion and a spoon of desi ghee (optional).

🥘 Serving Suggestions:

 Serve hot with Steamed rice, roti, or paratha

• A side of pickle and yogurt

• Garnish with fresh coriander, lemon juice, and onion slices

See more Dal recipe: Dal Tarka and Dal Makhni

🧑‍🍳 Expert Tips For best Lauki Chana Dal:

1. Choosing the Right Lauki: 

• Select a fresh and tender lauki (bottle gourd) that is light green in color and firm to the touch. Avoid using lauki that is too mature, as it can have a bitter taste.

2. Soaking the Chana Dal: 

• Soak the chana dal for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps in reducing the cooking time and ensures the dal cooks evenly.

3. Cutting the Lauki: 

• Cut the lauki into small, even-sized cubes to ensure they cook evenly with the chana dal. Peeling the lauki properly is also essential to remove any bitterness.

4. Pressure Cooking: 

• When pressure cooking, be cautious not to overcook the lauki, as it can become mushy. Cook until the dal is soft but not completely dissolved, and the lauki retains its shape.

5. Tempering: 

• A good tempering of cumin seeds, asafoetida (hing), and garlic enhances the flavor of the dish. You can also add some ginger and green chilies for an extra kick.

6. Balancing Spices:

•  Lauki has a mild flavor, so it's important to balance the spices well. A combination of turmeric, coriander powder, and red chili powder works best. You can adjust the spices according to your taste.

7. Adding Tomatoes: 

• Adding tomatoes provides a tangy flavor that complements the mild sweetness of the lauki. Cook the tomatoes until they are soft and blended well with the spices before adding the dal and lauki.

8. Consistency: 

• Keep the consistency of the dish thick but not too dry. Lauki tends to release water during cooking, so adjust the water quantity accordingly.

9. Garnishing: 

• Garnish the dish with fresh coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavors and add freshness.

💥 FAQs About Lauki Chana Dal:

1. How to cook Lauki Chana Dal in a pressure cooker?

   • To cook Lauki Chana Dal in a pressure cooker, soak the chana dal for 30 minutes, then sauté spices and tomatoes in oil. Add the lauki (bottle gourd) and soaked dal, and mix well. Add water and pressure cook for 3-4 whistles until the dal is soft and lauki is tender.

2. What are the health benefits of Lauki Chana Dal?

   • Lauki Chana Dal is rich in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins. Lauki is low in calories and helps with digestion, while chana dal is a good source of plant-based protein, making this dish nutritious and filling.

3. How to make Lauki Chana Dal without a pressure cooker?

   • To make Lauki Chana Dal without a pressure cooker, soak the dal for an hour. Boil it in a pot until soft, then add sautéed lauki, spices, and tomatoes. Cook until the lauki is tender and the flavors are well combined.

4. What spices are best for Lauki Chana Dal?

   • The best spices for Lauki Chana Dal are cumin seeds, turmeric, coriander powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. These spices enhance the flavor and complement the mild taste of lauki.

5. Can I make Lauki Chana Dal without soaking the dal?

   • Yes, you can make Lauki Chana Dal without soaking the dal, but it will take longer to cook, and the dal may not be as soft. Soaking helps reduce cooking time and ensures an even texture.

6. How to prevent Lauki Chana Dal from becoming mushy?

   • To prevent the dish from becoming mushy, cook the dal and lauki just until tender. Be mindful of the cooking time, especially when using a pressure cooker. Cutting the lauki into even pieces also helps in uniform cooking.

7. What is the best way to cut lauki for this dish?

   • The best way to cut lauki for this dish is into small, uniform cubes. This ensures that the lauki cooks evenly with the dal and retains its shape.

8. Can I add other vegetables to Lauki Chana Dal?

   • Yes, you can add other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or spinach to Lauki Chana Dal. These additions can enhance the nutritional value and flavor of the dish.

9. How to store leftover Lauki Chana Dal?

   • Store leftover Lauki Chana Dal in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 2-3 days. Reheat on the stove or in a microwave before serving.

10. Is Lauki Chana Dal good for weight loss?

    • Yes, Lauki Chana Dal is good for weight loss. It is low in calories, high in fiber, and rich in protein, which helps keep you full for longer and supports weight management.

11. How to make Lauki Chana Dal more flavorful?

    • To make Lauki Chana Dal more flavorful, use fresh spices, and consider adding a tadka (tempering) of ghee, cumin seeds, and garlic at the end. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dollop of yogurt before serving.

12. Can I freeze Lauki Chana Dal for later use?

    • Yes, you can freeze Lauki Chana Dal. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to a month. Thaw and reheat before serving.

13. What can I serve with Lauki Chana Dal?

    • Lauki Chana Dal pairs well with steamed rice, roti, or paratha. You can also serve it with a side of pickles, yogurt, or a fresh salad.

14. How long does it take to cook Lauki Chana Dal?

    • It takes about 20-30 minutes to cook Lauki Chana Dal in a pressure cooker (including preparation time). Without a pressure cooker, it may take 40-50 minutes, depending on the soaking time of the dal and the cooking method.

15. What are the variations of Lauki Chana Dal?

    • Variations of Lauki Chana Dal include adding different vegetables like spinach or carrots, using different types of dal like moong dal, or incorporating coconut milk for a creamier texture.

 🎉 Summary on Lauki Chana Dal

           Lauki Chana Dal is not only simple to prepare but also incredibly nourishing and flavorful. It's the perfect dish for those looking to enjoy a healthy, home-style Indian meal packed with protein and essential nutrients. Whether served with roti, paratha, or steamed rice, this comforting curry never fails to satisfy. Try it out and let us know how it turned out for you in the comments below. If you enjoyed the recipe, don’t forget to share it with your family and friends. Happy cooking from Sukhraj Kitchen