Bengal gram is one of the major pulse crops in India, also in the world where a large amount of pulse production comes from India. Bengal gram is also known as chana dal or baby chickpeas even as Garbanzo bean in most of the western countries. In this post, you will learn what is bengal gram, its storing ideas, various health benefits and delicious chana dal recipes.
As chana dal is rich in protein sources so it is an inseparable part of the pulse diet of various vegetarian people. This article will help you to know all about Bengal gram from its history, botanical name, state-wise name, itโs various benefits and various usage in our daily life.
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Table of Contents
What is bengal gram
Bengal gram is also called split chana dal or baby chickpea. Bengal gram seeds are usually yellow in colour, small in shape especially rounded on one side and flat on the other.
As bengal gram contains a higher amount of proteins so it is a good source of cereal-based diets for vegetarian people.
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History of Bengal Gram
It is believed that Bengal gram is one of the oldest pulses which was first cultivated in Europe mostly the eastern Mediterranean and in Asia mostly in Afghanistan and Persia.
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Apart from that according to Decandolle, the Sanskrit name of โ Gram โ isย โ Chanaka โ which indicates that the crop was under cultivation in India longer than in any other country in the world.
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Botanical Significance
Bengal gram belongs to the Leguminosae family. It is a type of small, much-branched herbaceous plant. Considering colour and sizes Bengal grams have been classified into two groups.
It is the most widely grown group cultivated in India.
White Gram:
Color of seed of this group is usually white. Grains are bold and attractive
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What is bengal gram called in different states
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Bengal gram or chana dal is widely popular in various regional names among different states. Here you will know different names of Bengal gram. 
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Bengal gram in hindi
Bengal gram is called chana in Hindi, especially in north Indian states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, M Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Haryana
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Bengal gram in bengali
Bengal gram is popularly known as Chola in west bengal.
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Bengal gram in punjabi
In Punjab region, it is known as Chhole.
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Bengal gram in Odissi
In Orissa, it is known as boot.
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Bengal gram in Assamese
In Assam region, Bengal gram is known as Butmah.
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Bengal gram in Andhra Pradesh
In Andhra Pradesh bengal gram known as Sanagalu
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Bengal gram in Maharashtra
In the Maharashtra region, bengal gram is also known as Harbara.
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Bengal gram in tamil
In Tamil Nadu Bengal gram is popularly known as kadalai.
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Bengal gram in malayalam
In Kerala is known as kadala.
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Bengal gram in kanada
In Karnataka region, bengal gram is popularly known as Kadale.
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Benefits of bengal gram
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There are various bengal gram benefits because it is a protein-rich supplement to cereal based diets.
- Hence, regular consumption of chana dal helps in reducing protein deficiency in our bodies.
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- Apart from this pulse proteins are rich in lysine and low sulfur containing amino acids hence It also helps in lowering the cholesterol level in the bloodstream.
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- In Chana dal, the glycaemic index is very low so it is good for diabetic patients.
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How to store chana dal
- You can safely use chana dal for a longer period if you put it inside an airtight container and stored it in a cool, dry place in your kitchen. You can also store it in the freezer for an even longer shelf life.
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- Remember one thing after cooking you can put the dal in the refrigerator for at least one day before it is going to sour.
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- Before reheating the dal pour some water into it and stir the dal properly then eat it.
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Bengal gram recipes
Chana dal or Bengal gram is an integral part of Indian cuisine. It is widely used as flour like gram flour and as a lentil like in various dal recipes.
- In India, gram flour is used to prepare various indian snack recipes like onion pakora, chicken pakora etc and one of the popular besan laddoo,ย besan chilla.
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- Chana dal is also used to cook various dal recipes, sabzi.
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What is bengal gram | Bengal gram benefits | Uses
Bengal gram or chana dal is one of the popular lentil ingredients in India.To know more about bengal gram, its origin, various benefits of bengal gram, its storing process and bengal gram recipes.
Ingredients
- 100 gram Bengal Gram
Instructions
What is bengal gram
- Now you know what is bengal gram , it's various uses and recipes.
- Next time whenever you will use chana dal in your indian recipes, you will be more aware of these ingredients.
- Enjoy your meal and happy cooking.
Nutrition Information
Serving Size
100gAmount Per Serving Calories 364Total Fat 6ggSaturated Fat 0.6ggTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5.4ggCholesterol 0mgSodium 24mgmgCarbohydrates 61ggFiber 17ggSugar 11ggProtein 19gg
Disclaimer: The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionistโs advice.