Chana Dal Chaat with Tamarind and Fresh Herbs

Name: Chana Dal Chaat with Tamarind and Fresh Herbs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 175 min
Total time: 190 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 400 g chana dal; 100 g pomegranate seeds; 0.25 cucumber, cut into small chunks; 1 green chilli, finely chopped; 0.25 tsp red chilli powder; 0.5 tsp black salt; 0.5 tsp chaat masala; 0.5 lemon lemon juice; 2 tbsp tamarind chutney; 8 mint leaves, chopped; 1 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped; 1 tbsp dill, finely chopped; 4 lemon wedges, to serve

This vibrant chana dal chaat is tangy, spicy, and fresh, with tamarind chutney, lemon, pomegranate, cucumber, and herbs in every bite. Serve it chilled as a light snack, party salad, or flavorful Indian-style side dish.

Servings6 Portions

Prep Time15 Mins

Cook Time175 Mins

Difficulty

Easy

Ingredients

chana dal
400 g
pomegranate seeds
100 g
cucumber, cut into small chunks
0.3
green chilli, finely chopped
1
red chilli powder
0.3 tsp
black salt
0.5 tsp
chaat masala
0.5 tsp
lemon juice
0.5 lemon
tamarind chutney
2 tbsp
mint leaves, chopped
8
coriander leaves, chopped
1 tbsp
dill, finely chopped
1 tbsp
lemon wedges, to serve
4

Step-by-Step Instructions

Rinse the chana dal well, then soak it in warm water for 2 hours. Drain, transfer to a saucepan, cover with fresh water, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until tender but not mushy. Drain thoroughly and let it cool.

Place the cooled chana dal in a large bowl with the pomegranate seeds, cucumber, green chilli, red chilli powder, black salt, chaat masala, lemon juice, tamarind chutney, mint, coriander, and dill. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated, then chill for 30 minutes to let the flavors develop. Garnish with extra mint and serve with lemon wedges.

Chef's Tips

Keep the dal slightly firm so the chaat has texture; overcooked dal will turn pasty when mixed. Adjust the green chilli and red chilli powder to your heat preference. The chaat can be made a few hours ahead and kept chilled, but add extra herbs just before serving for the freshest flavor.