Bhuni Chana Dal Aur Paneer OR Roasted Bengal Split Gram Lentils Cooked with Cottage Cheese by Sarmistha Som

What does a poor soul do when she cooks for friends and all of them are mighty impressed with the cooking? Feel happy, surely. Now what if one of them pesters you continuously for recipes? Well, being too polite you are bound to oblige even when you have a super hectic schedule! Thank you Sarmistha from Team BitebyByte.

Sarmistha Som – A clothier by profession and a mother of 3 beautiful boys by passion.

(Sarmistha is the face of the brand Cupraa; and her youngest boy is a furry one who you should make a point to meet for a play-date)

Bhuni Chana Dal Aur Paneer OR Roasted Bengal Split Gram Lentils Cooked with Cottage Cheese is a North Indian delicacy. I am often at my wit’s end to cook something delectable yet nutritious side which will be a complete package in itself. As soon as Sarmistha came up with this recipe, I felt this is an answer to what I keep looking for.

Ingredients
1.Whole cumin 1/2 teaspoon
2.Red chillies 3 deseeded
3.Bay leaf 2
4.Green cardamom 5
5.Cinnamon 1 small stick
6.Clove 2
7.Tomatoes diced 3
8.Onions sliced 3
9.Garlic paste 1 tsp
10.Ginger paste 1/2 tsp
11. Chana Dal 300 gms
12. Paneer 300 gms
13. Salt to taste
14. Turmeric powder
15. Sugar – 1 tsp

For Garnish –
16.Clarified butter as per    preference
17.Cream 1 tablespoonful
18.Coriander leaves

Method –

  • Soak the chana dal in warm water for 1 hour.
  • Heat oil in a pressure cooker and add ingredients 1 through 6. When the air gets aromatic add ingredients 7 through 10.
  • When the masala is done, meaning the onions are translucent and the tomatoes turn into a paste, add the chana dal.
  • Stir fry the dal for 5 minutes and add turmeric powder, salt and the sugar. Stir some more.
  • Add water, close the lid of the pressure cooker and bring it to a boil.
  • You would require 4 whistles for the dal to become very tender yet maintain its texture.
  • In a seperate pan, pan fry the paneer after cutting them into cubes.
  • Once they become light brown keep them aside.
  • After the 4 whistles open the pressure cooker and add the paneer cubes, shut the lid and wait for 1 whistle.
  • Your Bhuni Chana Dal aur Paneer is ready.
  • Add the cream, ghee and the coriander leaves.
  • Serve with  basmati rice.
  • Reccommended sides – red chili pickle  and raita.
  • Enjoy
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