Chana Dal Pulav/Lentil Fried Rice (yellow split peas pilaf)

Basmati rice stir fried with seasoned yellow split peas

lentil fried rice

I have no idea what to call this dish so have my own descriptive title mentioned for this dish. I had a left over rice, chana dal that was in the fridge which was actually soaked to make koshimbir(salad)..but finally its destiny was to become what this dish is. You can call it pulav, pilaf, chitranna, phodni bhat, lemon rice,whatever,but finally it turned out delicious and could get its little space on the blog. It is also ideal if someone doesn't want to include lot of rice because of its high glycemic index and rather stick with lentils for proteins. So here are the details for the delicious, lemony stir fry rice which can be served with onion tomato raita on the side.

Ingredients:
1 cup chana dal (yellow split peas)
2 cups rice, cooked
1 tbsp oil
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
4 - 6 curry leaves
4 red chillies
pinch of asafoetida
pinch of turmeric
3 tbsp of lemon juice
salt to taste


Preparation Method:

1. Soak the chana dal(split peas) for 4 -6 hours or overnight, and then drain the excess water.

2. In a pan heat oil, add mustard seeds. As they splutter, add cumin seeds, curry leaves, red chillies, asafoetida and saute for few minutes.

3. Add the soaked  chana dal (split peas, lentils) to the pan and saute it for 5 - 6 minutes or till the lentils are cooked with continuous turning. Also add salt and turmeric.

4. Once the lentils are soft, add the cooked rice, lemon juice and saute for few minutes.

5. Serve with raita.

Preparation Time: 15 mins
Serves: 2 - 3