Dal chana is split chickpeas, also known as chana dal. It's a type of lentil made from chickpeas that have been split and often skinned.
Understanding Dal Chana
Dal chana is a staple in many South Asian cuisines. The Oxford English Dictionary even recognizes its popularity, including it as one of over 600 words added in a quarterly update (27-Jun-2017). This highlights its widespread usage and cultural significance.
- Chickpeas (chana): The whole, dried chickpeas.
- Split chickpeas (chana dal): The chickpeas after they have been split, often with the outer skin removed. This is what constitutes "dal chana."
The term "dal" broadly refers to various types of lentils, and "chana" specifies that these lentils are made from chickpeas. Therefore, "dal chana" precisely describes the culinary ingredient.
