Phaanu

फाणु

Traditional dish from the Garhwal hills, the Garhwal region, Uttarakhand

Also spelled: faanu, phanu

A soupy Garhwali dal made from lentils, usually gahat or a mix, that are soaked overnight and ground before cooking. Phaanu is thinner and more broth-like than chainsoo and often appears on festival tables.

Ingredients

  • •Gahat or mixed lentils, soaked overnight and ground
  • •Mustard oil, cumin, fenugreek seeds
  • •Ginger, garlic, turmeric, coriander

How it's made

  1. 1Soak the lentils overnight, then grind to a coarse paste.
  2. 2Temper the oil with cumin and fenugreek.
  3. 3Add the paste with plenty of water and the spices.
  4. 4Simmer to a light, pourable dal and serve over rice.
This recipe is a general reference written for readers who want to know the dish. Quantities are to taste and every household cooks it a little differently.