Chainsoo is prepared by using black gram daal (Urad dal) by griding and roasting it. It is a very healthy daal with high protein value.
Similar preparation with slight variation is made out of black bhat (a varity of soyabeen), but in that case it is called bhattwani.
Ingredients for Chainsoo
- Black Gram seeds(Kali Urd whole) - 1 cup
- Oil - 1/2 cup ( preferably mustard oil)
- Garlic - 4 to 5 cloves
- Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
- Black pepper - 4 nos.
- Red chilies whole - 4 to 5
- Asafoetida - a pinch
- Dry coriander powder - 1/2 tsp
- Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
- Red chillies powder - 1/2 tsp
- Water - 3 cups
- Salt to taste
- Garam masala - 1/2 tsp
Chainsoo Recipe
- Place an iron frying pan (kadhai) on a moderate flame. Put Sabut Urad (black gram) in it and roast it without oil for about 3 to 5 minutes or till the pleasant aroma of roasted seeds comes. Do not over cook it. Take off the flame. Grind the roasted seeds into a coarse powder.
- Heat oil in the Kadahi and add garlic cloves.When the garlic turns lightl brown, add cumin seeds, red chillies,black pepper, and heeng (asafoetida)
- Immediately add the daal powder and fry it for 1-2 minute or so. Add turmeric powder, dry coriander powder, red chillies powder, salt and water. Bring it to boil.
- Cover and Cook till the daal becomes very soft. Simmer for 20-30 minutes. Before taking off the heat, sprinkle garam masala over chainsoo.
- Garnish with pure ghee and chopped coriander leaves. Serve with hot steamed rice.
Note: Chainsoo is also known as Chainsa, Chainsoodi, Chains in various parts of Garhwal and Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.
