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What you’re looking at right here?

This is the Indian version of the New York hot dog.

(This is where all of my Indian readers and my roommate start a mutiny.  I know it’s hot out, but stay calm people.  Stay. Calm.  In fact.  No sudden movements.  And keep your hands where I can see ’em.  Mmmkay?)

I wouldn’t know, because I haven’t eaten a hot dog in probably about twelve years (thanks to my brother who, when I was eight, informed me with all the authority that his six-year-old voice could muster that they were made from cow testicles).

But so says Madhur Jaffrey in her pre-recipe intro.

And if you know anything about Ms. Jaffrey, then you know that when it comes to Indian food.  Her word is gospel truth.

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Now.  If only I could get the street carts in NYC to jump on this chickpea and chana dal bandwagon.

It would make my life (and my lunch habits) so much easier.

**Before you go, check out my latest post on the Marcus Samuelsson blog – Pizza with Escarole, Fontina, and Walnuts!

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This dish truly is the perfect Indian food starter dish for those who think they don’t like Indian food.  (Cough mom and dad cough).  It doesn’t have any curry powder so it isn’t quite as much of a palate shocker as other dishes.  The mint gives it a refreshing air to it, while the tamarind paste adds a hint of tang – the two complimenting each other perfectly.  I added some zucchini into it because, well, who doesn’t have an abundance of that at the moment but I think it would also be great with eggplant, sweet potatoes, or butternut squash, depending on the season.

Chickpeas and Chana Dal Cooked Together in a Mint Sauce
Serves 4, adapted from Madhur Jaffrey’s World Vegetarian

1 1/2 cups dried chickpeas, picked over, washed and drained
3/4 cup chana dal or yellow split peas, picked over, washed and drained
1 tbsp garlic, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely chopped
3 fresh hot green chili peppers, seeds removed, finely chopped
1 cup mint leaves, packed, washed, and coarsely chopped
2 tbsp peanut oil
2 medium onions, finely chopped
2 lb zucchini/summer squash, cut into half moons
1/2 pound very ripe tomatoes, chopped
2 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp ground coriander
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp garam masala
3 tbsp tamarind paste or fresh lemon juice to taste

1. Soak the chickpeas overnight in cold water to cover by about 5 inches.  Drain, discarding the washing liquid.

2. In a large pot, bring the chickpeas and split peas and 7 cups of water to a boil.  Cover, lower the heat, and simmer for 1 hour or until chickpeas and split peas are tender.  I would start checking around the 30-40 minute mark.  Drain and set aside.

3. Meanwhile, combine the garlic, ginger, green chiles, and mint leaves in the container of a blender.  Add 6 to 8 tbsp wter as needed and blend, pushing down the mixture with a rubber spatula several times, until pureed.  Set the minty mixture aside.

4. Heat the oil in a wide, medium pot over medium-high heat.  Add the onions and stir and fry until they are a rich, reddish brown.  Add the zucchini/summer squash and saute until starting to get tender, about 5 minutes.  Add the tomatoes.  Stir and cook until the tomatoes reduce and darken.  Add the green spice paste and stir over medium-high heat for 5 minutes.  Add the chickpeas and dal, and about 2 cups of water.  Stir in the salt, coriander, cumin, garam masala, and tamarind paste, mixing thoroughly.  Cover, lower the heat, and simmer gently for 1/2 hour.  Serve hot.

This entry is part of a celebration of the 50 Women Game-Changers in Food.  Check out these posts for more Madhur Jaffrey recipes!

Val – More Than Burnt Toast
Joanne – Eats Well With Others
Taryn – Have Kitchen Will Feed
Susan – The Spice Garden
Claudia – A Seasonal Cook in Turkey
Heather – girlichef
Miranda – Mangoes and Chutney
Jeanette – Healthy Living
April – Abby Sweets
Katie – Making Michael Poland Proud
Mary – One Perfect Bite
Kathleen –Bake Away with Me
Viola – The Life is Good Kitchen
Sue – The View from Great Island

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You are reading this post on Eats Well With Others at https://joanne-eatswellwithothers.com. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to the author and or owner of Eats Well With Others. All rights reserved by Joanne Bruno.
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91 Responses to Madhur Jaffrey’s Chickpeas and Chana Dal (Split Peas) Cooked Together in a Mint Sauce

  1. This dish would taste awesome when cold, or after a day or two. Not sure if hot dog tastes good when cold, or after some days. Perhaps you can test since you are claiming this is the Indian version of the New York hot dog:)

  2. It would be pretty amazing if this showed up on street carts! Yum!

  3. Chris says:

    Ha ha ha, your brother is so evil. Cow testicles…I’ll probably gag the next time I try to eat a hot dog, thank you, but at least I’ll laugh.

  4. OohLookBel says:

    If there was a choice between a hot dawg and your dal, I know which I’d choose (er, the dal, of course!). The spices and especially the mint make it sound wonderful.

  5. Pierce says:

    I love a hot dog. There’s a place in Tallahassee (where I work) called Dog Et All…omg…the types of dogs you can get there…so your dish here appeals to me, even MORE than a hot dog! And yours is wayyyyy healthier!

  6. i haven’t had a hot dog in a zillion years either after a supposed stomach virus shortly thereafter ingesting one. Don’t dare compare this amazing dish to a hot dog!

  7. Mint sauce? You continue to amaze me- would have never put peas and mint sauce together but I guess that is what I have you for. The creative genius behind food blogging!

  8. That dish looks fantastic! I love Madhur Jaffrey.

    Lovely bright clicks!

    Cheers,

    Rosa

  9. Oh, give me a bowl of this instead of a hot dog any day. And you are right, Madhur should know! I would love to try this with some eggplant of pumpkin in it too.
    Sue xo

  10. Barbara says:

    I’m loving this series, Joanne.
    Chick peas and split peas? Very unusual. Great flavors in this dish. Jaffrey is marvelous!

  11. Miranda says:

    This looks like a marvelous hearty dish. Complex and beautiful – I’d like to give this one a try.

  12. Danielle says:

    Some of my favorite flavors – looks so good! And or pantry is always stocked with chick peas.

  13. Dana says:

    For someone who loves Indian food as much as I do, it has been a long time since I have made Indian food. Way. Too. Long. I love all the mint in here. We don’t have zucchini yet! We don’t have sun yet!

  14. Oh! I’ve heard of this dish, but never ever made it! Looks far easier than I envisioned! Thanks! Great post tribute to Madhur Jaffrey!

  15. I’d eat this over a hot dog anyday!!

  16. Mary says:

    What a perfect choice! it looks beautiful and I know it is delicious. You are a perfect cooking companion and I’m so glad you have joined us on this journey. I hope you have a great day. Blessings…Mary

  17. Hannah says:

    I rarely choose mint for savory dishes, but I can’t think why not… This sounds like an excellent use for it if there ever was one, so I’ll have to try it! We have a garden full of mint, and I can’t only make it into desserts.

  18. I like the flavors in this dish, especially all the fresh mint. I’ve never used Tamarind paste, but I love lemon so I have a feeling I’d like it. I’ve got lots of beautiful eggplants going to waste here, and this recipe has just sealed their fate!

  19. If this is the Indian version of a hot dog, then I grew up in the wrong country! I would much rather have been offered this as a kid. It looks great with the zucchini.

  20. Cow testicles? That’s a great idea!!! I know what I’m telling my kids next time they whine and beg for hot dogs!!!
    Love this recipe. Can’t wait to try it. Madhur Jaffrey is wonderful.

  21. Jeanette says:

    What a beautiful dish to celebrate Madhur Jaffrey – love all the spices and the mint sauce. Great way to use up all the fresh vegetables that are in season.

  22. Lora says:

    I could eat Indian food every night. this looks fantastic. Must try.

  23. Mmmm, love the addition of zucchini.

  24. Marisa says:

    I really love the mint addition here!

  25. Katie says:

    I would definitely be happier if NYC food carts started selling this dish instead of hot dogs. I’m always looking for good chickpea dishes. Thanks for this one!

  26. daphne says:

    oh that looks delish!!! Perfect started like you say.. I can see this with some great chappati or naan bread!

  27. That Girl says:

    I was all over Dal earlier this year. Total comfort food.

  28. Victoria says:

    Madhur Jaffrey is a goddess! I would take any of her dishes over a hot dog any day 🙂

  29. girlichef says:

    Just the rich and seductive colors of this Indian dish (almost any Indian dish, really) draw me in. I wouldn’t mind having one of those carts parked at the end of my block, either 😉 YUM!

  30. Prathima Rao says:

    Too good!!! I love madhur jaffrey`s recipes..They are always the authentic version,,
    Prathima Rao
    Prats Corner

  31. Kathleen says:

    Your brother is too funny! This recipe looks really yummy!

  32. That looks really good. I love indian food, and I’m sure I’ll like this even if it isn’t as indian as a lot of things I like 😀 The mint sounds so good, and refreshing in the heat.

  33. Rachel says:

    I think my eyes popped out of my head just looking at that dish! I see flavor and tons of fresh ingredients and I think I’m developing a craving for Indian food.

  34. wow, that looks delicious Joanne, I never combined these 2 beans, would love to give it a try 🙂

  35. Candace says:

    I have got to try dal. Just gotta!

  36. I love Indian because I like the spice, but this would be perfect for our extended family that flee at the wiff of spice.

  37. I had to laugh at the hot dog story! This sounds so healthy and delicious and not even in the same ball park as hot dogs. Hey, this would be a great idea for ball parks too 🙂

  38. Looks really good. I bet my non-hot dog eating daughter would love this. Nutrition class in school mentioned something about what goes into hot dogs and she hasn’t had one since. I’m sure it wasn’t testicles though, was it? LOL!

  39. My comfort food…call it whatever you want..NY hot dog..NY cheesecake.. or channe-chhole (thats what it is called in hindi)..Love Madhur Jaffrey and her recipes.I m not starting a mutiny but can I drop by for dinner??? YUM! Have a fab weekend!

  40. Can I have some of this on my hotdog? heheheh

  41. Yasmeen says:

    Madhur Jaffrey is a legend. So is this recipe – yum!

  42. Jen_from_NJ says:

    I am a fan of Indian food. This looks so tasty and healthy. I love that you added zucchini to the mix – good one!

  43. Lea Ann says:

    Madhur rules! Looks delicious Joanne.

  44. Faith says:

    Oooh, we love Indian food of all kinds and this dish really looks great! Garam masala has to be my favorite Indian spice blend…sounds so refreshing with the mint!

  45. Peggy says:

    Oh I haven’t met a type of Indian food I didn’t like, so I know this would be a welcomed addition to our dinner rotation!

  46. Sippity Sup says:

    Don’t like Indian food? Blasphemy… GREG

  47. I have to make this! It’s something my husband and I would love! Bookmarked. I can’t wait to try it! 🙂

  48. The aroma of Indian herbs and spices are wafting from my computer screen! This looks delicious!!!!! What are hot dogs made from?

    Best,
    Bonnie

  49. Perfect marriage of 2 different beans, it looks wonderful!

  50. wow this looks so great! im so excited to try it!:)

  51. Kalyn says:

    I am crazy about mint and tamarind both so I love the sound of this!

  52. katiez says:

    This sounds fantastic! And I can use some of my zucchini, too… always a plus when the garden explodes.

  53. Ada says:

    What a gorgeous dish! Jafrey gave a talk at my high school once and I remember her being so warm and such a great speaker. She truly is amazing. Your curried noodles also look divine, perfect for this heat wave. Hope you’re staying cool!

  54. Maria says:

    Yes please! I love your flavourful dishes Joanne!

  55. Your brother sounds like my brother; anyway, I love madhur Jaffrey, used to read her books and promise myself I would cook all these wonderful exotic Indian dishes; well, it is still on my fifteen-year plan. Love this one, must be so tasty!

  56. Kristen says:

    Shame on your brother! I think I might be glad I grew up an only child. Hot dogs would be hard to give up. The chickpea dal sounds pretty delicious, too.

  57. Pam says:

    I don’t really like Indian food either. I know. But this sound spretty good!

  58. Reeni says:

    I’ve heard some similar things about hot dogs…they’re not on my list of favorites, either. This, however is! I love tamarind and definitely need more of it in my life.

  59. Miriam says:

    Love this!! Yea, you’re not missing much by skipping the hot dogs :), Miriam@Meatless Meals For Meat Eaters

  60. Deborah says:

    I really like Indian food, but I’ll admit that I have a hard time with the whole mint thing. I guess I just need to try it out more!

  61. Sanjeeta kk says:

    Wow..one of my fave. Indian dishes..I cannot live without! Yours look delightful, Joanne.

  62. I LOVe Indian food and coz i more veggie than anything am always soaking dals and Chickpeas for my daily soups :-))
    With lodsa spinach and now u my fren have this very delicious post up and despite all the chocolate cupcakes i have gobbled i still want a nice big helping of this!
    I love mint sauce too and somehow ur posts are connected to my days cooking and today i did cook up some cauliflower with peas in mint sauce.
    ALso love that chickpeas are great for my hair 🙂
    And yeah babe those pics jus keep getting better and better !

  63. A delicious sounding dish. Thank you for posting the recipe.

  64. Carolyn Jung says:

    I love her recipes. They are so doable and always taste great. In fact, would you believe one of my fave Viet beef stews is by Madhur Jaffrey? 😉

  65. This sounds perfect! I love Indian food, and have a ton of zucchini growing in the garden right now. Yum!

  66. Dawn says:

    Love how you incorporate fresh seasonal produce into this traditional dish!

  67. Raina says:

    So healthy and delicious looking! I love your addition of zucchini. I would love if I could get food like this on the street or even in a restaurant around here:)

  68. Lol at your brother and the hot dog! This dish looks awesome. I think split peas hate me, Im pretty sure there’s some kind of thing going on in their world and the word has got out. Every time I make them, they dont cook through and have a bit too much bite. So naturally, Iv give up – mature, I know

  69. ~Bee says:

    Stumbled upon your blog and I’m glad I did! Your photography is amazing and so are your recipes! 🙂 This looks sooo good… I love Indian food and have a bunch of recipes I can’t wait to try

  70. bellini says:

    I just arrived back from vacation with no Internet access Joannne and had to have a peak at what the group was up to. Your dish sounds amazing.

  71. Give me this over a hot dog any time. 😉 I love Madhur Jaffrey and her recipes always make me happy. 😉

  72. kankana says:

    OMG your brother is like my brother and that is exactly what he told me too! I of course still ate .. as I never believed anything he ever said 🙂
    YOu know I never ate that dish but like the idea of chick peas with chana daal. It looks so comforting!

  73. Viv says:

    this looks sooo hearty and comforting…like a warm blanket…that i wish i have right now in this cold weather!

    if i ever move to NY and if i ever start up a street cart, this is what ill be selling 😉

  74. We could definitely use so street cart diversity here. They only seem to be allowed to sell hot dogs in Toronto. Crazy.
    Love the dish, I am also a huge fan of mint in savoury dishes.

  75. Claudie says:

    This dish is beautiful and so comforting! As I love chickpeas, I see this recipe as a great reward for a hard and long day of work 🙂 Plus, I love that it has zucchini in it too!

  76. I don’t even want to tell you what my Dad always told me what was in hot dogs. Still, I eat them 🙂 This dish looks delicious!

  77. Shannon says:

    this sounds so interesting! lots of great flavors, definitely one to try 🙂

  78. Kerstin says:

    I should make this for my mom then – she refuses to try Indian food too – sounds very flavorful!

  79. El says:

    I’m always looking for good vegetarian recipes like this. It looks sensational!

  80. grace says:

    this is earthy. that’s the word that comes to mind when i gaze upon it. it sounds altogether delicious, joanne–the mint in there is really intriguing!

  81. Kevin says:

    This sounds really tasty and healthy!

  82. Cara says:

    *prays that her mint plant will burst into fruition to yield a cup of leaves* (make that more than a cup so I can have a mojito too. Do they drink mojitos in India?)

  83. Catherine says:

    Looks exotic and delicious!!!! Blessings, Catherine xo

  84. Tiffany says:

    This really looks good! Looks very Healthy! This makes me want to try it!!

  85. I love a good Indian dish like this!

  86. Finally made this dish, Joanne. Super recommendation for the beginner curry. LOVED it! Wrote about it here: http://tastespace.wordpress.com/2011/10/11/chickpeas-and-chana-dal-cooked-together-in-mint-sauce/

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