It is 12.30 pm, the sun is at its strongest in Dubai and workers take a break from their shift with empty stomach and dusty hands. They need a meal that is hot, affordable and fulfilling to help them sustain through the remaining shift. For thousands of people the simple solution is a plate of golden daal with freshly cooked roti. In this post, you will also learn why this meal is so popular and how you can create this meal by following this simple daal chana recipe at home.
What is Chana Daal?
It is made by split chickpeas which are simmered slowly with onions,tomatoes, and garlic with mild spices until they turn thick and creamy. It is a regular dish which is a famous meal in Indian and Pakistani homes. It takes longer to cook than red lentils, but it retains its shape and has a deeper and nutty taste.
Why is Chana Daal Dubai’s Workers Favorite Meal?
Many workers in Dubai industrial areas eat daal several times a week. There are perfect reasons for that:
- It is a budget friendly food: Daal chana is one of the most affordable meals that you can buy anytime at a very little cost.
- It tastes like home: Dubai has a large community of South Asian workers and a bowl of daal brings back a familiar taste after a long tough working shift.
- It keeps you full: Daal chana is rich and loaded with protein and fiber and digests slowly so that gives you a feeling of fullness for hours.
- It suits large batches: This dish can be prepared in large pots which makes it practical to feed workers living in labor camps, offices and large teams.
Easy Daal Chana Recipe
This chana dal recipe can serve three or four people.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup daal chana
- 3 cups of water
- 1 chopped onion
- 2 chopped tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- Half teaspoon of turmeric
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- Half a teaspoon of red chili powder
- 2 tablespoon of oil
- Salt and fresh coriander
Method:
- Wash daal thoroughly and soak it for one or two hours.
- Boil it with salt, turmeric and water for 30 to 40 minutes until it becomes soft. A pressure cooker takes about 15-20 minutes.
- Now heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Fry the onion until it gets golden.
- Add ginger garlic paste, tomatoes and remaining spices, until the oil separates.
- Add masala into daal and let it simmer for 10 more minutes. Mash a little with the help of a spoon for a thick texture.
- Garnish it with fresh coriander and squeeze a lemon.
- For extra flavor, top daal with enriching tarka of garlic and dried red chili fried in ghee.
How to Serve
Chana daal can be paired with freshly cooked tandoori roti and plain rice. Sliced onions, green chili and a little yogurt can be served as a side for a complete meal.
Are You Looking for Daal Chana in Jebe Ali?
Cooking meals for a long shift is not always possible. If you want daal for workers in Jebel Ali, First Bite Kitchen and Restaurants serves a wide variety of fresh Pakistani meals in Jebel Ali industrial area and DIP with its perfect dine-in, takeaway and home delivery service. Both of these affordable dishes are popular examples of affordable Pakistani food in Dubai that is fulfilling, easy to order and budget friendly.
Conclusion
Chana Daal is a simple and flavorful meal which has become a popular daily comfort meal for Dubai’s workforce. Try this effortless daal chana recipe at home or just place your order to enjoy a fresh plate to satisfy your hunger in a short time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is daal chana a healthy meal?
Yes, it provides protein and fiber and can be cooked in less oil.
Do I need to soak daal chana before cooking?
Soaking it for one hour helps cook it faster and ensures a more evenly texture.
Where can I find chana daal in Jebel Ali?
First Bite Kitchen and Restaurant serves it in the Jebel Ali industrial area branch.
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