Split Chickpeas

Chana dal has a meaty texture that makes it one of the most satisfying dals in Pakistani cooking. Lahori chana dal cooked with whole spices, then topped with a tarka of onion, cumin, and dried red chillies is a classic dhaba breakfast served with puri. It is also a key ingredient in haleem, where it blends with wheat and meat during long pounding to create the dish's characteristic silky texture.