Dudhi Chana Dal Recipe – Authentic Indian Bottle Gourd & Chickpea Curry

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Dudhi Chana Dal Recipe – Authentic Indian Bottle Gourd & Chickpea Curry

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly healthy Indian curry, you have to try Dudhi Chana Dal. It’s a dish my grandmother used to make, and honestly, it’s one of those recipes that just feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s a little different from your typical dal, thanks to the addition of dudhi (bottle gourd), which adds a lovely mildness and texture. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Dudhi Chana Dal is seriously special. It’s a beautiful blend of flavors – earthy from the chana dal, subtly sweet from the dudhi, and wonderfully spiced. It’s also a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies! Plus, it’s relatively easy to make, especially if you have an Instant Pot. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a regular in your rotation.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Dudhi Chana Dal:

• 1 cup chana dal (split chickpeas)
• 3 cups dudhi (bottle gourd), diced
• 1 cup tomatoes, chopped
• 1 Tbsp garlic, minced
• 3 Tbsp ghee or oil
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 0.25 tsp asafoetida (hing)
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 0.5 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp Kashmiri chili powder or paprika
• 2 tsp dhana jeeru (cumin-coriander mix)
• 1 tsp kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• 1 Tbsp jaggery or sugar
• 0.5 cup cilantro, chopped
• 2 tsp amchoor (dry mango powder) or lemon juice
• 1 cup water
• Salt to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few things can really make or break this dish:

• Dudhi/Bottle Gourd: There are a few varieties of dudhi. Look for one that’s firm and has a smooth, green skin. The lighter colored varieties tend to be milder in flavor.
• Chana Dal Quality: Fresh chana dal makes a big difference! It should be a vibrant yellow color and not look dull or old.
• Dhana Jeeru: This cumin-coriander blend is a staple in Indian kitchens. You can find it pre-made, or easily make your own by grinding equal parts cumin seeds and coriander seeds.
• Amchoor vs. Lemon Juice: Amchoor gives a unique tangy flavor that’s traditional in this dish. But if you don’t have it, lemon juice works perfectly fine!
• Ghee vs. Oil: Ghee adds a lovely richness and aroma, but you can definitely use any cooking oil you prefer. I often use a neutral oil like sunflower or canola.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, heat the ghee or oil in your Instant Pot on the sauté mode. Once hot, add the cumin seeds, asafoetida, and green chilies. Let them sizzle for about 10-20 seconds – you’ll smell that amazing aroma!
2. Now, add the turmeric powder, chili powder, dhana jeeru, and minced garlic. Sauté for another minute or so, until everything is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the spices!
3. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften, about 3-5 minutes. You want them to break down a bit and release their juices.
4. Add the diced dudhi, soaked chana dal, salt, and 1 cup of water. Give everything a good stir.
5. Seal the Instant Pot and pressure cook on high for 15 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release. This is key for perfectly cooked dal.
6. Once the pressure has released, open the Instant Pot and stir in the kasoori methi, jaggery, chopped cilantro, and amchoor or lemon juice.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, chili powder, or amchoor depending on your preference.

And that’s it! Your Dudhi Chana Dal is ready to enjoy.

Expert Tips

• Soaking the Dal: Soaking the chana dal for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) helps it cook faster and become creamier.
• Don’t Skip the Sautéing: Taking the time to sauté the spices properly is crucial for developing the flavor of the curry.
• Natural Pressure Release: Seriously, don’t rush it! Natural pressure release ensures the dal is perfectly cooked and doesn’t become mushy.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Simply substitute the ghee with your favorite plant-based oil.
• Adjusting Spice Level: If you like it spicier, add another green chili or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder flavor, reduce the chili powder or remove the green chilies altogether.
• Pressure Cooker vs. Instant Pot: If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can use a regular pressure cooker. Cook for about 20-25 minutes after the first whistle, then let the pressure release naturally.
• Regional Variations: My friend’s mom, who’s from Gujarat, adds a pinch of sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice at the end. I’ve also seen Maharashtrian versions with a touch of goda masala.

Serving Suggestions

Dudhi Chana Dal is fantastic served with:

• Steaming hot rice – a classic pairing!
• Roti or naan – perfect for scooping up all that delicious curry.
• A side of raita (yogurt dip) – to cool things down.
• A simple salad – for a complete meal.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is Dudhi Chana Dal good for weight loss? Absolutely! Dudhi is low in calories and high in fiber, and chana dal is a good source of protein. It’s a filling and nutritious meal.
• Can I use a different dal instead of Chana Dal? While chana dal is traditional, you could try toor dal (split pigeon peas) or masoor dal (red lentils) in a pinch. The flavor will be different, but still delicious.
• How can I make this curry less spicy? Reduce the amount of chili powder or remove the green chilies. You can also add a dollop of yogurt to your serving.
• What is the best way to cut and prepare Dudhi? Peel the dudhi and remove the seeds. Then, dice it into roughly 1-inch cubes.
• Can I freeze leftover Dudhi Chana Dal? Yes, you can! Freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Enjoy! I hope you love this recipe as much as my family does. Let me know in the comments if you try it!