Chana Dal (Split Bengal Gram)
Chana dal is the split, skinned brown chickpea — sweet, nutty, and firm enough to hold its shape. It carries everything from lauki chana dal to South Indian tempering and the batter for vada.
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Chana Dal in Indian languages
| Language | Name | Pronounced |
|---|---|---|
| English | Split Bengal gram | split chickpea |
| Hindi | चना दाल | Chana dal |
| Tamil | கடலை பருப்பு | Kadalai paruppu |
| Telugu | శనగ పప్పు | Senaga pappu |
| Kannada | ಕಡಲೆ ಬೇಳೆ | Kadale bele |
| Malayalam | കടല പരിപ്പ് | Kadala parippu |
| Marathi | चणा डाळ | Chana dal |
| Bengali | ছোলার ডাল | Cholar dal |
| Gujarati | ચણા દાળ | Chana dal |
| Punjabi | ਛੋਲੇ ਦੀ ਦਾਲ | Chole di dal |
How to cook it
- Soak
- 30 minutes recommended
- Pressure cooker
- 4–5 whistles (typical)
- Water ratio
- 1 cup dal : 3 cups water
- Stovetop
- Open pot ~45–60 minutes after soaking
Holds its shape well — good when you want distinct grains rather than a purée.
Nutrition per 100 g
| sugar | 10 g |
|---|---|
| energy | 387 Kcal |
| protein | 20 g |
| carbohydrate | 61 g |
Indicative values for the dry pulse; cooking changes them.
Storage
Store airtight in a cool, dry place; use within 6–8 months.
Cook it tonight
Modern & FusionDal CutletsCrispy, pan-fried patties made with cooked chana dal and spices.Prep 1 hour soaking · Cook 20 mins · Serves 8 Cutlets
Chaat & SnacksDal BhajiyaStreet-style fritters made from a mixed dal batter, airy and delicious.Prep 4 hours soaking · Cook 20 mins · Serves 4
TraditionalLauki Chana DalBottle gourd cooked with chana dal.Prep 30 mins soaking · Cook 25 mins · Serves 4
Chaat & SnacksChana Dal TikkiCrispy, shallow-fried snack patties made from chana dal, served with chutney.Prep 4 hours soaking · Cook 20 mins · Serves 6 TikkisCommon questions
- Is chana dal the same as toor dal?
- No. Chana dal is split brown chickpea; toor dal is split pigeon pea. Chana dal is firmer and slightly sweet.
- Does chana dal need soaking?
- A 30-minute soak helps it cook evenly and faster — it is a firmer dal than moong or masoor.
- What is chana dal in English?
- Split Bengal gram, a split and skinned brown chickpea.