Lauki Chana Dal
Lauki Chana Dal
5 from 1 vote
Lauki Chana Dal is a comforting, home-style curry made with bottle gourd and split chickpeas. It's light, nourishing, and naturally gluten-free—perfect for weekday meals or balanced vegetarian cooking.
Lauki Chana Dal

Lauki Chana Dal has always been one of my favorite simple Indian recipes to cook when I want something both comforting and light. I really like how the soft bottle gourd soaks up the spices, making every bite mild but flavorful.

Combining it with chana dal gives the meal a nice texture and a little protein boost, which feels great on busy days when I want a home-cooked meal without too much fuss. The balance of flavors and the warmth of the tempering always make it feel like a cozy, satisfying experience.

I usually keep it pretty straightforward but sometimes switch up the spices depending on what I have handy.

The slow cooking of the dal with the lauki ensures everything melts together nicely, and it pairs well with my usual steamed rice or roti. The way the soft veggies and lentils blend really reminds me of those simple meals that stick with you and don’t get old.

What I enjoy most is how adaptable this Lauki Chana Dal feels. It’s easy to make it lighter or a bit richer just by adjusting the oil or adding ingredients like green chili or tomatoes.

It’s one of those recipes I come back to often, especially when I want something nourishing without spending too much time in the kitchen. The subtle flavors and the comforting texture make it a recipe that fits well into my everyday cooking rotation.

Ingredients

Oil: The cooking medium that helps in sautéing and bringing all the flavors together. Commonly used oils include vegetable, mustard, or coconut oil, each imparting a unique taste to the dish.

Onion: A crucial aromatic vegetable that adds sweetness and depth to the dish. When sautéed, onions become soft and caramelized, enhancing the overall flavor profile of Lauki Chana Dal.

Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes contribute a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the dal, while also adding moisture. They help in creating a rich, thick gravy that coats the chana dal and bottle gourd beautifully.

Garlic Paste: Made from minced garlic cloves, this paste adds a robust and pungent flavor that elevates the dish. Garlic is known for its health benefits and complements the spices used in the recipe.

Green Chilli: Fresh green chilies provide heat and a vibrant flavor to the dish. They can be adjusted according to personal spice preferences, adding both color and depth to Lauki Chana Dal.

Cumin Seeds: These aromatic seeds add a warm, earthy flavor to the dish. They are often tempered in oil at the beginning of the cooking process to release their essential oils, enhancing the overall taste.

Salt: An essential seasoning that enhances all the flavors in the dish. The amount of salt can be adjusted based on personal preference and dietary needs.

Chilli Powder: This ground spice adds both heat and color to the dish. It brings a rich red hue and a warm flavor, contributing to the overall spiciness of Lauki Chana Dal.

Cumin Powder: Ground cumin adds a warm, nutty flavor that complements the other spices. It is often used in combination with coriander powder to create a balanced taste in the dish.

Coriander Powder: Made from ground coriander seeds, this spice has a mild, citrusy flavor. It helps to enrich the dish and works well with the other spices to create a harmonious flavor profile.

Turmeric Powder: Known for its vibrant yellow color, turmeric lends an earthy flavor and numerous health benefits. It is often used not only for its taste but also for its natural color and medicinal properties.

Chilli Flakes: These dried, crushed red chilies add heat and texture to the dish. Sprinkling them on top of the cooked dal enhances the visual appeal and offers an extra kick of spice.

Bottle Gourd: Also known as lauki or opo squash, this vegetable absorbs flavors well and adds a subtle sweetness to the dish. Its high water content makes it a nutritious addition, providing both fiber and vitamins.

Chana Dal: Split chickpeas form the base of this recipe. They have a nutty flavor and a firm texture, which makes them perfect for simmering in spices and vegetables, creating a satisfying and hearty dish.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Lauki Chana Dal is a wholesome and nutritious dish that pairs beautifully with various accompaniments and can be personalized in numerous ways.

To enhance the experience of this delightful culinary creation, consider serving it with steamed basmati rice or jeera rice, which complements the flavors of the dal effortlessly. Parathas, especially stuffed ones like aloo or gobi parathas, can also be served to add a hearty touch.

For a lighter option, a simple side of fresh cucumber and onion salad dressed in lemon juice and salt provides a refreshing contrast. You can also enjoy Lauki Chana Dal with soft chapatis or phulkas, which make for a comforting and complete meal.

In addition to these serving suggestions, you might want to consider variations of Lauki Chana Dal to suit different palates or occasions.

One popular modification is to add a tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves at the end, which delivers a burst of flavor and aroma.

If you’re looking for a creamier texture, you could blend a portion of the cooked dal to create a smooth consistency before mixing it back with the remaining ingredients, resulting in a richer mouthfeel.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, additional green chilies or a sprinkle of black pepper can spice things up according to preference.

Adding other vegetables, such as carrots, peas, or spinach, not only enhances the nutritional value but also adds visual appeal and diversity in flavor. You could even replace or mix the lauki with other gourds like ridge gourd or pumpkin to experiment with taste while keeping the dish healthy.

Exploring different spices can also yield delightful results. Consider adding garam masala or a touch of fennel powder for an aromatic twist. If you’re interested in a tangy flavor, a splash of lemon juice or a spoonful of tamarind paste can provide a zesty kick.

Finally, for an added layer of texture and taste, sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro or a handful of fried onions on top before serving; this will give a beautiful finish and an inviting aroma to the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lauki Chana Dal?

Lauki Chana Dal is a traditional Indian dish made primarily from bottle gourd (lauki) and split chickpeas (chana dal). It is known for its nutritious qualities and is often cooked with various spices to enhance its flavor.

What are the health benefits of Lauki Chana Dal?

This dish is low in calories and high in fiber, making it beneficial for digestion and weight management. Lauki is rich in vitamins and minerals, while chana dal provides protein, making it a wholesome meal option.

Is Lauki Chana Dal suitable for vegan diets?

Yes, Lauki Chana Dal is entirely plant-based and suitable for vegans. It contains no animal products, making it a healthy and cruelty-free meal option.

Can Lauki Chana Dal be frozen for later use?

Yes, you can freeze Lauki Chana Dal. Once it cools down, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

What can I serve with Lauki Chana Dal?

Lauki Chana Dal can be served with steamed rice, chapati, or naan. It pairs well with a side of yogurt or pickle for added flavor.

What variations can I try with Lauki Chana Dal?

You can try adding different vegetables such as spinach or carrots for added nutrition. Additionally, using spices like garam masala or adding coconut can enhance the flavor profile of the dish.

How long does Lauki Chana Dal last in the refrigerator?

When stored in an airtight container, Lauki Chana Dal can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure it is properly cooled before refrigerating for maximum freshness.

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Lauki Chana Dal

Lauki Chana Dal

by Nabeela Kauser
Lauki Chana Dal is a comforting, home-style curry made with bottle gourd and split chickpeas. It's light, nourishing, and naturally gluten-free—perfect for weekday meals or balanced vegetarian cooking.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Indian, Pakistani
Servings 6
Calories 364 kcal

Ingredients

  • 100 ml Oil
  • 1 Onion
  • 3 Tomatoes
  • 1 tsp Garlic Paste
  • 1 Green Chill
  • 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Chilli Powder
  • 1 tsp Cumin Powder
  • 1 tsp Coriander Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 1 tsp Chilli Flakes
  • 900 g Bottle Gourd
  • 300 g Chana Dal
  • 500 ml Water

Instructions

  • Pour the oil into a large pot or deep pan and heat it over medium flame until hot.
  • Add the chopped onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn soft and golden.
  • Stir in the green chilli, garlic paste, and cumin seeds. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until they soften and break down.
  • Sprinkle in all the dry spices—salt, chilli powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and chilli flakes. Mix well and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, adding a small splash of water to prevent the spices from burning.
  • Add the peeled and chopped bottle gourd to the pan. Stir well to coat it in the masala and let it cook for around 15 minutes. The gourd will release its own moisture during this time.
  • Mix in the soaked chana dal and cook for 5 minutes so it blends with the flavours.
  • Pour in the water, give everything a final stir, then cover the pan with a lid. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 30 minutes, or until the dal is fully cooked and tender.
  • Once done, check the consistency and seasoning. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander before serving.

Notes

Nutritional facts:
The provision of nutritional information is done merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 364kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 10gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.1gSodium: 436mgPotassium: 340mgFibre: 15gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 719IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 155mgIron: 4mg
Keyword Cooking, Curry Recipe, Dal, food recipe, Recipe
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Cook with Nabeela

Hi, I'm Nabeela!

I love to cook! I want to share with you my favourite, delicious family-friendly recipes. I want to inspire you to create fantastic food for your family every day.

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