Pakistani daal channa with butter and spices

Discover the rich and flavorful world of Pakistani cuisine with our Daal Channa recipe, featuring tender lentils cooked in a blend of aromatic spices, butter, and fragrant garlic. Garnished with fresh coriander leaves and a hint of creamy dried milk, this dish is a comforting and delicious delight perfect for any meal. Ready to transform your dinner table with authentic flavors? Try our Pakistani Daal Channa today!

06 May 2025
Cook time 40 min
Prep time 15 min

Ingredients:

3/4 cup lentils
4 cups water
3 garlic cloves
3/4 tsp salt
1 tsp coriander leaves
1/2 tsp red pepper (spice)
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
2 tbsp salted butter
1/4 onion
1 tsp ground cumin
1/8 cup dried milk
1 tsp coriander leaves
Pakistani daal channa with butter and spices

Pakistani daal channa is a hearty and flavorful lentil dish that is a staple in Pakistani cuisine. With its rich blend of butter, spices, and aromatic herbs, it's a comforting meal that's both nutritious and delicious. This recipe provides a balanced meal with lentils cooked to perfection, enhanced by a symphony of spices, making it wonderfully flavorful and aromatic.

Instructions:

1. Rinse Lentils:
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove any dirt and excess starch.
2. Cook Lentils:
- In a medium-sized pot, combine the rinsed lentils and 4 cups of water.
- Add the garlic cloves and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and cooked through.
3. Prepare Spices:
- In the meantime, gather the salt, chopped coriander leaves, red pepper, and turmeric powder.
4. Add Spices to Lentils:
- Once the lentils are cooked, add salt, chopped coriander leaves, red pepper, and turmeric powder to the pot.
- Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
5. Sauté Onions and Cumin:
- In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent and begins to brown slightly.
- Stir in the ground cumin and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Combine Ingredients:
- Pour the sautéed onion and cumin mixture into the pot with the lentil mixture.
- Add the dried milk, stirring well to incorporate it into the daal.
7. Simmer and Adjust Seasoning:
- Allow the mixture to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Taste the daal and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or spices as desired.
8. Garnish:
- Once done, remove the pot from the heat.
- Garnish the daal with the additional chopped coriander leaves.
9. Serve:
- Serve the Pakistani Daal Channa hot with rice, naan, or your favorite bread.

Tips:

- Rinse Lentils Thoroughly: Make sure to rinse the lentils thoroughly under running water to remove any impurities or excess starch before cooking.

- Use Fresh Spices: Using fresh spices can greatly enhance the flavor of your daal. If possible, opt for whole spices and grind them yourself for the best results.

- Simmer Slowly: Allow the daal to cook slowly on a low heat. This not only ensures the lentils are cooked evenly but also helps in developing a deeper, richer flavor.

- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper and other spices according to your heat tolerance. You can always add more if you prefer a spicier dish.

- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Add fresh coriander leaves towards the end of cooking to retain their vibrant flavor and bright green color.

- Lemon Juice for Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can enhance the flavors and add a nice tangy brightness to the dish.

This Pakistani daal channa with butter and spices is a delightful and comforting dish that is sure to please your palate. It's not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a perfect addition to your regular meal rotation. Served with naan or rice, this daal channa makes for a wholesome meal that you'll want to make again and again.

Nutrition per serving

1 Servings
Calories 870kcal
Protein 45g
Carbohydrates 110g
Fiber 16g
Sugar 20g
Fat 27g

More recipes

Parmesan pasta

Ready in minutes.

13 May 2025

Leek and swiss cheese quiche

Perfect for brunch or a light lunch, this easy-to-follow recipe promises a gourmet experience with minimal effort.

16 May 2025

Cauliflower, chickpea, tomato and coriander curry

Perfect for a nutritious dinner that’s brimming with taste.

06 Apr 2025

Chicken with rosemary and caper seasoning

Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

01 Mar 2025

Garlic ginger shrimp stir fry

Perfect for a weeknight dinner in under 30 minutes.

13 Mar 2025

Zucchini bolognaise

Perfect for a nutritious family dinner.

23 May 2025

Beef, pickled cucumber and soba noodle salad

Ideal for a light lunch or dinner.

15 Mar 2025

Mexican quinoa

Ready in under 30 minutes, it's a delicious, healthy, and satisfying option for vegetarians and anyone looking for a flavorful, wholesome meal.

15 May 2025

Posts