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Chana Dal Namkeen Recipe (Bengal Gram Lentil Snack): bursting with flavors, this traditional crunchy – salty Indian snack is made using chana dal and spices. Can be made by frying or in an air-fryer.
Homemade snacks always have that special touch that makes them even more enjoyable and this ‘Chana Dal Namkeen – also known as Split Bengal Gram Lentil Snack’ is a crispy and spicy snack.
Perfect for sharing with friends and family, serving at parties, or simply indulging in during your coffee/tea time.
It’s easily customizable, which means you can adjust the spice levels to your liking and experiment with different spices and seasonings to suit your taste. Also, you can use a ‘different method – like frying or air frier’ to make them.
Chana Dal Namkeen Ingredients:
It’s made using few ingredients that are commonly found in most Indian households or others too like:
- Chana Dal – also known as Split Bengal Gram
- Baking Soda
- Spices – turmeric, red chili powder, salt, black pepper powder ,and chat masala (or can use citric acid)
- Water – for soaking the dal/lentil
- Oil – for frying or air-fryer
How to Make the Bengal Gram Lentil Snack:
I’ve divided the process into smaller sub-categories to make it easier:
Soak the Dal:
we start by soaking the dal for 2-3 hours in water along with baking soda. This helps fluff up the dal, hence making it airy.
Drying the Dal:
Once the dal is nicely puffed up, we air-dry it using a kitchen towel for 10-15 minutes. Make sure all the water is removed.
You can even leave it under a fan for that much time to dry or keep it in direct sunlight.
Cooking the Namkeen (Frying or Air Frier):
You can make this namkeen/snack any way you please, by either frying the puffed-up dal till it’s crispy or using an air-frier to crisp it.
If you are using an air-frier, I suggest keeping the temperature low, so that the lentils/dal is cooked evenly and doesn’t burn.
How to Serve Chana Dal Namkeen & Storage:
This namkeen or snack can be served as is or accompanied with tea/coffee or lemonades.
Can be served with other Indian snacks too.
You do not need any chutney or sauce to serve along with them.
You NEED to store this in an air-tight container for it to last longer and hold its crispiness.
Keep it in a cool dry place and not in the refrigerator.
Tried Our Recipe – AWESOME!!!
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Yield: 1 cup
Chana Dal Namkeen Recipe (Bengal Gram Lentil Snack)
Chana Dal Namkeen Recipe (Bengal Gram Lentil Snack): bursting with flavors, this traditional crunchy - salty Indian snack is made using chana dal and spices. Can be made by frying or in an air-fryer. (This is V + GF)
Prep Time
3 hours
Cook Time
20 minutes
Additional Time
15 minutes
Total Time
3 hours 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Chana Dal (Split Bengal Gram)
- 2 cups of water for soaking
- 1 Cup Vegetable oil for deep frying
Spices:
- 1 Tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 Tsp Red Chili Powder
- 1/4 Tsp Black Pepper Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chaat masala - check notes
- 1 Tsp Salt
- 1/2 Tsp Pink Himalayan Salt (kala namak)
Instructions
Soaking the Chana Dal:
- Rinse the chana dal under running water.
- Place the rinsed chana dal in a bowl and cover it with water.
- Add 1/2 Tsp baking soda + 1/4 tsp salt.
- Let it soak for at least 2-3 hours (This will help soften the dal and also help it puff up).
Draining and Drying:
- Once the dal is soaked for 3 hrs, drain the water by transferring it to a colander.
- Lay out the soaked dal on a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to remove excess moisture. Allow it to air dry for about 15-20 minutes
Frying the Chana Dal
- Heat enough vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
- To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of chana dal into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the top, the oil is ready.
- Carefully add the dried chana dal to the hot oil, a little at a time. Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry the dal in batches if needed.
- Fry the chana dal until it turns golden and crispy. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally for even frying.
Seasoning the Namkeen:
- Once the chana dal is crispy and golden, remove it from the hot oil using a slotted spoon and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.
- While the dal is still hot, add all the spices over it. Toss the dal to ensure the spices coat it evenly.
Serve fresh or store in an air-tight container for later use.
Notes
Chaat Masala: you can easily find it in any Indian grocery store or can use 'citric acid' to give it a lemony flavor.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 367Total Fat: 37gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 32gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 598mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 2g
1 Reply to "Chana Dal Namkeen Recipe (Bengal Gram Lentil Snack)"
Jamie November 5, 2023 (11:46 am)
Wow! This treat looks so yummy! An awesome Indian snack that everyone will gonna love and enjoy eating! I’m gonna make this in our very reliable Air Fryer! Thanks, loved it!