Chana Dal Namkeen: Nutritional Value, Health Benefits And Recipes

Indian kitchens are stocked with chana dal. It is the essential ingredient of many dishes and is also used for tempering and preparing the masala. It is also known as Bengal dal and is primarily produced in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Mexico and is mainly used to make curries.

However, people live to consume chana dal as a form of namkeen as it is a go-to snack with ample health benefits and nutritional value. So let us discuss a bit about chana dal and chana dal namkeen! 

Table Of Contents 

1. Chana Dal Namkeen Recipe 

2. Nutritional Value Of Chana Dal Namkeen 

3. Health Benefits Of Chana Dal 

4. Dietitian’s Recommendation

5. The Final Say 

6. FAQs

Chana Dal Namkeen Recipe 

Chana dal namkeen is a salty, crispy, and spicy snack. It is delicious, nutritious, and easy to digest. Let us know how to make it! 

1. Chana Dal Namkeen 

Ingredients 

• Chana dal – 100g
• Chat masala- ½ tsp
• Baking soda- ¼ tsp
• Jeera powder- ½ tsp
• Red chilli powder- ½ tsp
• Amchur powder- ¼ tsp
• Black salt- ½ tsp
• Salt, as per taste 
• Oil, as required 

Preparation Method 

1. Wash chana dal thoroughly with 2-3 water and soak it in water with baking soda for 6-7 hours. 

2. Remove the water and let the chana air dry on a white cotton cloth for 10-15 minutes. 

3. Take a deep pan, add oil, and heat it to the frying temperature. 

4. Fry dal until it turns a little golden and crisp. 

5. Keep the fried dal on tissue paper to soak the excess oil. 

6. Mix all the dry ingredients in the fried dal. 

7. Chana dal namkeen is ready to serve! Store it in an air-tight container.

2. Peanut Chana Dal Namkeen 

Ingredients

• Chana dal – 100g
• Peanuts- ¼ cup
• Curry leaves- 5-6 leaves 
• Red chilli powder- ¼ tsp
• Chat masala powder- ½ tsp
• Salt, as per taste 
• Oil- 1 tbsp

Preparation Method 

1. Wash chana dal and soak it in water for 6-7 hours. 

2. Remove the water and dry it for 5-10 minutes. Fry them until golden and crisp. 

3. In a pan, heat the oil and add curry leaves and peanuts.

4. Mix curry leaves and peanuts in fried chana dal and dry species. 

5. Mix well, and they are ready to serve! 

Nutritional Value Of Chana Dal Namkeen 

Chana dal namkeen is good for health.1 tablespoon (15g)  of namkeen contains:

• Calories- 55kcal
• Fat- 2.7g
• Protein- 2g
• Carbs- 5.7g
• Vitamin A- 31.6mcg
• Folic acid-  14mcg
• Potassium-  68.6mg
• Sodium-  80.8mg

Health Benefits Of Chana Dal 

Here are the health benefits of chana dal, the primary ingredient of chana dal namkeen. 

1. Good Source Of Protein 

A cup of chana dal provides almost 33% of the daily intake of protein from one source, and protein is the most vital nutrient for the proper functioning of the whole body. Also, the wear and tear of the muscles occur due to exercise and for body cells.

2. Provides Energy To The Body  

Chana is potent with B vitamins like B1, B3, B2 and B9, which help to metabolise glucose. Besides that, 30g chana dal provides 100 kcal and contains minerals and vitamins.

3. Suitable For Diabetic Patients 

Chana dal is suitable for people with diabetes as it has a very low glycemic index, which does not increase the  blood sugar level  in the body. Also, the fibre content in the dal helps to control the blood sugar level, and chana dal contains significantly less cholesterol, making it the best choice to manage hypertension and obesity.

4. Keeps Heart Healthy

Chana dal is rich in antioxidants, which fight free radicals, keep chronic disease out of reach, and reduce inflammation. Moreover, the magnesium content in the chana dal helps to relax the blood vessels and promote a healthy heart. 

5. Reduces Blood Pressure 

Chana dal is rich in sodium and potassium, which help to regulate heart function and reduce high blood pressure. Also, potassium and sodium content helps to balance the electrolyte in the body.

6. Increases The Response Of Insulin In The Body 

Magnesium presence in the chana dal helps reduce insulin sensitivity. Low magnesium levels can inhibit insulin secretion from controlling blood sugar levels.

7. Loaded With Fibre 

Being a pulse, chana dal is loaded with fibre, making the bowel system smooth and helping lower the cholesterol level in the body and improving digestion.

8. Great For Eyes 

Chana dal contains a good amount of Vitamin A, which helps to improve vision and night blindness. Also, zinc in chana dal helps keep a check on an enzyme that assists in producing Vitamin A.

9. Keeps Skin Healthy 

Chana dal contains antioxidants that are great for the skin, and zinc helps boost immunity. Thus keeping the skin healthy and lowering the chances of infections.

Dietitian’s Recommendation

Chana dal is loaded with several nutrients and is the best choice for people wanting to lose weight due to its high fibre and protein content. Still, if I talk about pregnant women, chana dal is a boon for them as it contains folic acid, which helps curb the changes of congenital disabilities in the baby. Also, folic acid assists in RBC formation, the most vital nutrient for the baby's growth. 

As many doctors suggest having folic acids during pregnancy,medition  chana is also a great source of folic acid to consume during pregnancy. Other than namkeen, we can use chana dal to make paratha, cutlets, dhokla and many more dishes.

- Dietitian Akshata Gandevikar 

The Final Say 

Chana dal namkeen is a ubiquitous snack for people around India and is easily available in the market during stress . People love eating this namkeen along with onion and tomato topping, which makes a great salad and during summer, people prefer to add raw mango to give it a tangy taste. But always consume namkeen in limited quantities.

FAQs 

1. In how many ways can chana dal be consumed?

Chana dal can be consumed in many ways, in fried form, in steamed form, for making puran poli, paratha, etc.

2. Is chana dal good for health? 

Yes, chana dal is considered one of the ancient pulses high in fibre, protein and other nutrients and great for overall health.

3. Does chana dal cause constipation?

For some people, it does cause, but chana dal is rich in fibre which eliminates the chances of constipation in most people.

4. What does chana dal namkeen taste like? 

It depends on what spices you have added, e.g., if you add dry mango powder and red chilli powder, it will taste tangy and spicy.

5. Does chana dal have any side effects?

No, chana dal does not have any side effects. But if consuming excess causes gastric turbulence.

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