Zero Oil Chana Dal Loki Sabji | Healthy & Protein-Rich Indian Recipe
Looking for a healthy, light, and wholesome Indian sabji that’s easy to make and perfect for everyday meals? This Zero Oil Chana Dal Loki Sabji is a delicious choice! Packed with the protein of chana dal and the nutrition of bottle gourd (loki), this dish is naturally low in calories, gentle on digestion, and full of flavor. With simple spices and no added oil, it makes a perfect accompaniment for roti, paratha, or rice. Ideal for weight management and a heart-healthy diet, this sabji proves that healthy food can be both tasty and satisfying!
Ingredients
- ½ cup Chana dal split Bengal gram
- 1 medium Loki / Bottle gourd grated or chopped
- 1 small Onion finely chopped, optional
- 1 medium Tomato finely chopped
- 1 –2 Green chilies chopped
- 1 tsp Ginger grated
- 1 tsp Garlic finely chopped, optional
- ½ tsp Cumin seeds
- ½ tsp Turmeric powder
- ½ tsp Red chili powder
- ½ tsp Coriander powder
- ¼ tsp Garam masala
- Salt – to taste
- 1 tbsp Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- Water – as needed
Instructions
- Soak Chana Dal: Soak ½ cup chana dal in water for 2-3 hours (optional for faster cooking). Drain.
- Cook Dal: Pressure cook chana dal with 1–2 cups water, add 1 medium chopped/grated loki ½ tsp turmeric, and salt for 2–3 whistles until soft.
- Prepare Tadka: In a pan add ½ tsp cumin seeds ,1 medium tomato, 1–2 chopped green chilies, 1 tsp ginger, 1 tsp garlic, with a splash of water. Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes on medium flame until tomato cooked.
- Spices: Add ½ tsp red chili powder, ½ tsp coriander powder, ¼ tsp garam masala. Cook for another 3–4 minutes.
- Combine: Add the cooked chana dal and loki to the tadka mixture. Mix well. Add water if needed for desired consistency and adjust salt.
- Garnish: Turn off the heat and garnish with 1 tbsp fresh coriander leaves.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with roti, paratha, or steamed rice.
- Goes well with plain dal or yogurt for a complete meal.
- Serve with Salad for extra fiber intake.
Benefits
- Zero oil recipe – perfect for weight management.
- High in protein and fiber (chana dal).
- Low-calorie, hydrating, and digestion-friendly (loki).
- Supports heart health and boosts immunity.
- By combining Chana dal with Loki drops its Glycemic index and Glycemic Load makes it good for diabetes, PCOS and Weight loss.
