A mainstay in many Indian households is gram dhal and brinjal, sometimes referred to as chana dal or split chickpeas. It is a great base for many different recipes because of its creamy texture and nutty flavor. This blend is delicious and wholesome, resulting in a kaleidoscope of flavors and nutrients when combined with eggplant or brinjal.
In this recipe, we’ll learn how to make a tasty dish that highlights the unique qualities of brinjal and gram dhal as well as the harmony they generate when combined.
Gram Dhal and Brinjal Ingredients
To prepare this delightful dish featuring gram dhal and brinjal, you will need the following ingredients:
1 cup gram dhal (chana dal)
1 medium-sized brinjal (eggplant), diced
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
2 green chilies, slit
1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
2 tablespoons oil (preferably mustard or vegetable oil)
Water as needed
Gram Dhal and Brinjal Recipe
First, make sure the gram dhal is completely cleaned under running water until the water is clear. To further soften the dhal, soak it in water for thirty to sixty minutes.
Prepare the brinjal by washing it well and chopping it into little cubes while the dhal is soaking. To prevent discoloration, you can soak the diced brinjal in salted water for about 10 minutes before cooking.
Heat the oil in a big pot or pressure cooker over medium heat. When the cumin seeds begin to sputter, add the onions, cut finely. Onions should be sautéed until they get transparent and golden brown.
Add the green chilies and ginger-garlic paste to the saucepan next. Sauté until aromatic, about one more minute. Add the diced tomatoes, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt to the mixture. Simmer the tomatoes until they get tender and the spices are properly combined.
After the mixture is well cooked, add the gram dhal that has been soaked in water, making sure to cover it completely. If using a pressure cooker, place the lid on and cook over medium heat for roughly three whistles. If you’re using a standard saucepan, cook the dhal for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it’s soft but not mushy.
Once the gram dhal has cooked for a while, include the chopped brinjal into the saucepan. Gently mix all ingredients together, taking care not to crush the brinjal too much. Cook for another 10 minutes or more, or until the brinjal is soft but retains its shape.
Last Words
Taste your food and adjust the seasoning once the flavors have mingled beautifully and everything has cooked through. To taste, you can increase the amount of salt or spices.
provide some freshly chopped coriander leaves as a garnish to top off this delicious meal and provide even more color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This delicious gram dhal and brinjal dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or flatbreads like chapati or naan. Your meal will taste better with a side of yogurt or raita since it will be creamier and have a cooling impact against the spices in the dish.
If you want to take your dining experience to the next level, try serving this meal with papadums or pickles for some more taste and textural contrast. For a more sophisticated supper, you could also try serving it with other traditional Indian foods like pulao or biryani.
Variations on Gram Dhal and Brinjal
While this recipe provides a fantastic foundation for enjoying gram dhal and brinjal together, there are countless variations you can explore:
Spicy Masala Version
For those who enjoy extra heat, consider adding more green chilies or incorporating red chili flakes during cooking. You could also include spices like garam masala or curry leaves for additional depth of flavor.
Coconut Milk Twist
For a creamier texture with a hint of sweetness, try adding coconut milk towards the end of cooking. This variation lends an exotic flair while balancing out any spiciness from the dish.
Adding Other Vegetables
Feel free to experiment by adding other vegetables such as spinach or carrots along with brinjal. This not only enhances nutritional value but also adds variety in texture and flavor.
Lentil Fusion
If you want to mix things up even further, consider combining different types of lentils with gram dhal—such as moong dal or masoor dal—to create a multi-lentil dish that adds complexity to each bite.
See also: How to make mix vegetable curry
Storage of Cooked Gram Dhal and Brinjal
Cooling: Let the cooked meal come to room temperature on its own. This is an important step because it stops condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can cause deterioration.
Refrigeration: After the dish has cooled, put it in an airtight container. It keeps for three to five days in the refrigerator. Make sure the container is properly shut to keep the dish from being impacted by moisture or odors.
Freezing: You can freeze the brinjal and gram dhal mixture for extended storage. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a plastic bag that can be sealed, making sure to press out as much air as you can before doing so. With this technique, you can store it for up to three months without experiencing any discernible flavor or texture loss. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating when you’re ready to use it.
Cultural Importance
Beyond their culinary use, lentils have enormous cultural significance in Indian cuisine; they are frequently connected to sustenance during holidays and festivities. Because they are so soothing, dishes like this one with gram dhal are often made for family get-togethers or special events.
Additionally, because brinjal is a staple in many Indian regional cuisines, from the hot curries of South India to the stuffed variants that are popular in North India, this combination is sure to please a wide range of palates.
In summary
Gram dhal and brinjal together provide a filling lunch that is also a culinary journey that honors traditional flavors while catering to contemporary palates. This recipe is an example of how basic ingredients can come together to create something very exceptional, a dish that is hearty and comforting.
