Chicken Chana Dal Recipe

Introduction

Experience the delightful fusion of chicken and chana dal in this easy-to-follow recipe, perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. This pressure cooker dish brings the rich flavors of traditional Indian cuisine to your kitchen, offering a comforting and hearty meal.

Ingredients

• Chicken: 450-500 gms

• Chana Dal: 1.5 cups

• Garlic Cloves: 6-7

• Ginger: 10-12 thin slices

• Dry Red Chillies: 2

• Fried Onions (Birista): 2 medium-sized

• Bay Leaves (Tej Patta): 3

• Cinnamon (Dalchini): 4-5 pieces

• Black Cardamom (Badi Elachi): 1

• Cloves (Laung): 4-5

• Green Cardamom (Elachi): 5-6

• Whole Black Pepper: 9-10

• Chopped Onions: 1 large

• Cooking Oil: As needed

• Turmeric Powder: 3 tbsp

• Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder: 1 tbsp

• Chicken Masala: 1 tbsp

• Ghee: 2 tbsp

• Salt: 2 tsp

For Garnishing:

• Chopped Coriander

• Sliced Ginger

Preparation

1. Soak Chana Dal: Soak chana dal overnight or for 6-7 hours. Rinse well and set aside.

2. Marinate Chicken:

   • Wash and cut chicken into medium pieces.

   • In a grinder, make a paste of garlic, ginger, and dry red chillies.

   • In a bowl, mix chicken with ginger-garlic paste and fried onions. Marinate for 30 minutes.

Cooking Method:

1. Heat oil in a pressure cooker. Add bay leaves, cinnamon, both cardamoms, cloves, black pepper, and sliced onions. Fry until onions are golden brown.

2. Add marinated chicken and turmeric powder. Stir for 1 minute.

3. Mix in soaked chana dal, Kashmiri red chilli powder, and chicken masala. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring well.

4. Add ghee, water for desired gravy thickness, and salt. Close the lid and cook for 4-5 whistles.

5. Turn off heat and let the pressure release naturally for 5-10 minutes.

6. Stir in sliced ginger and chopped coriander.

Serving Suggestion: Serve hot in a bowl, accompanied by rice, pulao, chapati, or butter naan. Enjoy this special, tasty pressure cooker chicken curry! 😊