Importance of chana dal
Chana dal is not only delicious, but it is also rich in protein and other nutrients. However, cooking it can sometimes be challenging. Even when cooked in a pressure cooker, the dal may not become soft, and if a cooker is not available, cooking it in a normal vessel may take time.
Importance of soaking pulses
The simplest way to cook chana dal without a pressure cooker is to soak it in water first. Wash the lentils thoroughly and soak them in water for at least 4 to 6 hours.
If you have time, soaking overnight would be even better. This makes the lentils soft, which takes less time to cook.
use hot water
It may be beneficial to use hot or boiling water instead of cold water to cook soaked lentils.
Put the pulses in a thick bottomed vessel, add hot water to it and keep it on the gas. First boil on high flame, then reduce the flame to medium and let the dal cook slowly.
Keep stirring the dal while cooking and if the water gets reduced then add hot water instead of cold water.
use of lid
While cooking chana dal without a cooker, keeping the vessel covered can be very beneficial. By placing a lid, heat and steam remain inside the vessel, due to which the lentils soften quickly.
However, it is important to keep an eye on the vessel when cooking on high flame. When boiling, foam may rise, so reduce the flame as needed.
right time to add salt
It is better to add salt after the chana dal becomes soft. After the lentils are cooked, add salt and cook for a few more minutes so that the taste blends well.
Keep in mind that the time taken to cook lentils is not the same every time. It depends on the quality of the dal, its age and soaking time.
spicy seasoning
When the chana dal becomes completely soft, add tadka to enhance its taste.
Heat ghee or oil in a small pan, add cumin, asafoetida, dry red chilli and finely chopped garlic and fry lightly. When the spices start giving aroma, add this seasoning to the prepared dal.
In this way, chana dal can be made tasty and soft even without a pressure cooker.