Eggplant Chana Dal Sabzi

• Soak chana dal for overnight

Nutrition values are AI-estimated based on ingredients.

• 3-4 teaspoons cooking oil
• 5-6 whole garlic cloves
• 2-inch piece ginger
• 2 medium-sized onions, chopped
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 cup fresh coriander (including stems)
• 3 tablespoons + 1-2 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida
• 2 whole dried red chilies
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 2 teaspoons coriander-cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 4 medium-sized eggplant (approx. 200g), diced
• 1 cup split chickpea lentil (chana dal), pre-soaked and drained
• 3 green chilies, sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala

1. 1Heat 3-4 teaspoons of cooking oil in a kadai, add whole garlic cloves, chopped ginger, and chopped onions with a small pinch of salt, then sauté on high heat until onions turn a deep, rich brown (approximately 7 minutes).
2. 2Transfer the browned mixture to a blending jar, let it cool, then add 1/2 cup fresh coriander (including stems) and 3 tablespoons of water, and blend into a smooth green paste.
3. 3In the same kadai, heat 2 tablespoons of fresh oil, add cumin seeds until they splutter, followed by asafoetida and two whole dried red chilies.
4. 4Immediately add the prepared green paste to the kadai, cook, stirring well, until its color starts to change.
5. 5Add 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder, 2 teaspoons coriander-cumin powder, and 1 teaspoon red chili powder to the paste, mix thoroughly, and cook for about 2 minutes until spices darken and oil separates.
6. 6Add diced eggplant to the cooked masala and mix to coat all pieces, then add 1 cup of pre-soaked and drained chana dal and stir in.
7. 7Pour in 1-2 cups of water (including water used to rinse the blending jar), add salt to taste, stir everything, and cover with a lid.
8. 8Cook the curry on medium heat until the chana dal and eggplant are tender.
9. 9Once cooked, add 3 sliced green chilies, 1/2 teaspoon garam masala, and a generous amount of freshly chopped coriander to the curry.
10. 10Gently stir in the added ingredients and cook for a short while longer until the desired consistency is reached and oil visibly separates on the surface.

These instructions are our analysis of the original video. Watch on YouTube →