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As a food explorer, who has travelled to and tasted local food in over 40 countries, I am always intrigued by the ingredients that go into cuisines around the world. As a reader of writings on food, I find these writings to also consistently follow a solid class hierarchy. The exotic, the uncommon, the expensive items finding their place at the top of ‘food writing’ grabbing all the paper, and eyeballs, while food items that are more versatile, commonly found and consumed, are local and cheaper, and satiate our tastebuds every day, remain invisible. The more abundance, popularity and frequency with which a food item gets consumed, the lesser attention it finds in food writings. At PRAMONO, our endeavor is to bring limelight to such food items, to uncover how these food products came to become part of our everyday lives. One such item in the PRAMONO food stable is “Chana Dal”.
When one considers the sheer culinary versatility of Chana Dal, its invisibility is all the more perplexing. This single lentil is the foundation for an entire universe of dishes and snacks, embodying an astonishing adaptability. From the comforting, savory warmth of a classic Chana Dal Fry to the sweet surprise hidden inside a Puran Poli, its range is immense. The crispy, deep-fried crunch of pakoras, the spongy lightness of Gujarati Dhokla, or the delicate rolls of Khandvi—all owe their existence to the chana dal. It is a chameleon that seamlessly adapts to every role, from a simple, nourishing meal to a festive sweet or a popular street food, proving that a low-cost ingredient can yield a high degree of culinary creativity.
Chana Dal’s story, as I discovered, is not a singular, romanticized tale, but rather a rich tapestry woven into the very fabric of Indian life. It’s a collection of traditions, rituals, and an unwavering presence that speaks to its enduring cultural significance. In our exploration, we found that Chana Dal’s place is not in grand epics, but in the heart of daily practice and ceremony.
Its undeniable presence in India’s vibrant festivals and rituals is a testament to its cultural value. It is not merely food; it is an offering, a blessing, and a symbol of abundance. The sweet, golden flatbread, Puran Poli, with its filling of chana dal and jaggery, is a centerpiece of festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Gudi Parva and Holi. The preparation of Puran Poli is a culinary ritual passed down through generations, where the simple lentil embodies the spirit of family and celebration. Similarly, during Kanjak Puja in Navratri, spiced chickpeas (chana masala) are a key part of the sacred meal offered to young girls. In these instances, Chana Dal is not just sustenance; it is a sacred offering that symbolizes prosperity and a connection to the divine.
Beyond its spiritual role, Chana Dal also holds a fascinating story of sheer practicality and resilience. A well-known anecdote from the Mughal era speaks of Emperor Shah Jahan, who, upon being imprisoned, was reportedly allowed to choose only one food item to sustain him for life. His choice was Chana Dal. His reasoning was rooted in its incredible versatility; it could be boiled, roasted, ground into flour (besan) for fritters and sweets, or transformed into a multitude of other forms. This anecdote underscores the ingredient’s remarkable ability to provide complete nourishment while offering endless culinary possibilities, a quality that makes it a true staple.
From a nutritional perspective, Chana Dal’s story only gets stronger. Ancient Ayurvedic texts, such as the Charak Samhita, praise its virtues, noting its strengthening and nourishing properties, particularly for a vegetarian diet. It stands as a powerhouse of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, a cornerstone of a balanced diet that contributes to overall well-being.
To me, Chana Dal exemplifies the kind of food item that deserves far more attention than it typically receives. Its story is not one of exotic glamour but of quiet, steadfast reliability. It is an ingredient that bridges the mundane and the sacred, a testament to resilience, versatility, and the quiet power of simple things. Through our work at PRAMONO, we aim to continue shedding light on these unsung heroes of our kitchens, recognizing how they came to become indispensable parts of our lives.
