Dal Chaunsa is a traditional, earthy dal where roasted urad dal chilka is cooked with a coarse, hand-pounded masala and finished with a smoky mustard oil tadka. Simple ingredients and strong technique give this dal its depth and character.

What is Dal Chaunsa?

Dal Chaunsa is a rustic Indian dal made by dry-roasting urad dal chilka, grinding it coarsely, and cooking it with onions, fresh aromatics, and mustard oil.

Main Ingredient of Dal Chaunsa:

• Urad dal chilka – 1 cup

• Onion – 1 medium

• Garlic – 8–10 cloves

• Ginger – 1 inch

• Green chilli – 1–2

• Fresh coriander – a handful

• Coriander seeds – 1 tsp

• Jeera – 1 tsp

• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

• Red chilli powder – 1 tsp

• Mustard oil – as required

• Salt – to taste

Meyer Midnight hard anodised nonstick Frypan, 26 cm

What Is So Special About Dal Chaunsa?

Roasting the dal and hand-pounding the spices create intense flavour and texture, while mustard oil adds a signature smoky sharpness.

Quick and Easy Dal Chaunsa:

No soaking, minimal spices, and simple steps make this dal hearty yet easy to prepare.

How to make Dal Chaunsa

• Dry roast urad dal chilka on low flame till aromatic. Cool and grind into a coarse powder.

• Pound garlic, ginger, green chilli, coriander, coriander seeds, and jeera into a rough paste.

• Heat mustard oil till smoky. Add chopped onions and sauté till soft.

• Add the prepared paste and cook till oil releases.

• Add roasted dal powder, hot water, salt, and turmeric. Cook till dal is thick and cooked through.

• Finish with a tadka of mustard oil and red chilli powder.

Expert Tips

1. Roast dal on low flame to avoid bitterness.

2. Always add the final tadka off the flame for best aroma.

Recipe Card

Dal Chaunsa

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Category

Main

Servings

3

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

Calories

300

Rustic Dal Chaunsa recipe made with roasted urad dal chilka, hand-pounded spices, and mustard oil tadka. Smoky, earthy, and comforting.

Author:

Samridh

Ingredients

• ● Urad dal chilka – 1 cup

• ● Onion – 1 medium
• ● Garlic – 8–10 cloves
• ● Ginger – 1 inch
• ● Green chilli – 1–2
• ● Fresh coriander – a handful
• ● Coriander seeds – 1 tsp
• ● Jeera – 1 tsp
• ● Turmeric powder – ½ tsp
• ● Red chilli powder – 1 tsp
• ● Mustard oil – as required
• ● Salt – to taste

Directions

1. ● Dry roast urad dal chilka till aromatic

2. ● Cool and grind into a coarse powder
3. ● Pound garlic, ginger, green chilli, coriander, coriander seeds, and jeera
4. ● Heat mustard oil till smoky
5. ● Add chopped onions and sauté till soft
6. ● Add the prepared paste and cook well
7. ● Add roasted dal powder and cook briefly
8. ● Add hot water, salt, and turmeric
9. ● Cook till dal is thick and cooked through
10. ● Finish with mustard oil and red chilli powder tadka

Recipe Note

Serve hot with steamed rice and sliced onions. Adjust mustard oil and chilli to taste for best balance.