Warm, comforting, and rich in spices, this Chana Dahl recipe is a classic dish made with split chickpeas and a fragrant tempering (tadka) of garlic and cloves. It’s hearty, simple to prepare, and packed with flavour—perfect as a main or a side to your favourite rice or flatbread.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chana dahl
• 1½ tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp ground cardamom
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp sunflower oil
• 6 whole cloves
• 2 tsp dried garlic flakes
• 1 tsp crushed chilli (optional)
• 1½ tbsp dried parsley or cilantro

Method:

1️⃣ In a large saucepan, combine the chana dahl, turmeric, cardamom, bay leaf, salt, and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer partly covered for 40 minutes.

2️⃣ If the mixture starts to dry out, add up to 1 cup of additional water. Cook until the dahl is tender. Remove the bay leaf and purée the dahl until smooth and saucy, but not soupy.

3️⃣ To prepare the tadka (spiced oil), heat the sunflower oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. When hot, add the whole cloves and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds.

4️⃣ Add garlic flakes and stir constantly until they turn medium brown. Add crushed chilli flakes if using, then turn off the heat.

5️⃣ Pour the tadka into the puréed dahl and stir gently to combine.

6️⃣ Garnish with dried parsley or cilantro and serve warm.

Why Meat-Free Meals Matter

Choosing plant-based meals like this Chana Dahl is not only good for your health but also great for the planet. Meat-free recipes require significantly less water and energy to produce, and they emit fewer greenhouse gases compared to animal-based meals. Incorporating more vegetarian dishes into your week is a powerful way to reduce your environmental impact while still enjoying nourishing, flavourful food.

Shop Package-Free at Wasteless Pantry

You can find many of the ingredients for this recipe—like chana dahl, spices, and garlic flakes—at Wasteless Pantry, where everything is sold without unnecessary packaging. Bring your containers, buy only what you need, and enjoy a truly sustainable cooking experience. It’s a small step with a big impact on reducing kitchen waste and supporting a circular economy.