Lauki Chana Dal

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Lauki Chana Dal is a wholesome and soul-warming Punjabi comfort dish that combines nutritious split chickpeas with cooling bottle gourd. This recipe is characterized by its light yet incredibly aromatic tempering of cumin, ginger, and a touch of asafoetida (hing). The chana dal provides a satisfying bite while the lauki dissolves slightly to thicken the gravy, resulting in a cohesive and flavor-saturated meal. It is a staple in North Indian households, especially during family lunches, celebrated for its high-protein and digestive benefits. Enriched with fresh coriander and a dollop of ghee, it represents the rustic elegance of Punjabi home cooking. Best served hot with plain basmati rice or freshly made phulkas.
Ingredients
Cooking Instructions
Tips & Secrets
- Soaking the chana dal is mandatory; it ensures the dal cooks perfectly without turning the lauki into a mush.
- Using a touch of hing (asafoetida) provides the signature professional-grade digestive aroma found in Punjabi homes.
- Do not over-pressure cook; the beauty of this dish lies in the dal being buttery soft yet visible.
- Adding a final tempering of ghee with dry red chilies can elevate the dish to professional restaurant standards.
Nutritional Information(Per 1 bowl (250g))
210 kcal
12g
8g
26g
Note: Nutritional values are professional estimates per standard serving (~200-250g / ml) and may vary based on ingredient quality and preparation methods.
