| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 287 | 3.9g | 0.5g | 48g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 7.5g | 18g | 0.2g |
Nothing brings me more joy than sharing recipes that I absolutely love, like this vibrant fruit-based dish: Chainsoo. This particular recipe holds a special place in my heart, not just because of the symphony of flavors it offers, but also for its roots in health-conscious, West Coast living that aligns perfectly with my Californian upbringing. Chainsoo, is a beautifully rich and hearty dish, crafted from black gram lentils ground into a thick paste and delicately cooked with local herbs to create a meal that’s as nourishing as it’s delicious. 
A Feast for The Body
Every Chainsoo ingredient is not just carefully chosen for its taste, but also for its wealth of health benefits. Take the black gram lentils, they are packed with lean protein and dietary fiber. Jakhya seeds, a local herb with profound health benefits, find their way into this recipe as well, adding a dash of exotic flavor and a hint of antioxidants that help cleanse the body. Ground turmeric lends the dish its alluring golden hue while offering its wealth of anti-inflammatory properties. Each mouthful of Chainsoo is as much a treat for the palate as it is a boost for the body’s wellbeing.
Perfect Pairing
If you’re looking for a classic American dish to accompany Chainsoo, a crisp green salad would work exceptionally well. The freshness from the salad balances the hearty warmth from the Chainsoo, creating a well-rounded dining experience. If you’re looking to maintain the ethnic authenticity, I’d recommend serving it with Aloo Paratha, a flatbread stuffed with spiced potatoes. The flavors from the Chainsoo and the Paratha complement each other, and together they offer a heartwarming gastronomical journey.
What I love most about Chainsoo, besides the fact that it’s wonderfully flavorful, is how it truly embodies my approach to cooking – combining the goodness of health and comfort in a bowl, a trait I believe is integral to West Coast cuisine. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of black gram lentils
- 6 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons of Jakhya seeds
- 1 teaspoon of Turmeric powder
- 2 teaspoons of Coriander powder
- 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
- 2 Green chillies
- 1 inch Ginger
- 4 cloves of Garlic
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons of Cilantro (for garnish)
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Method
Step One
To start making Chainsoo, first, you need to soak the black gram lentils in water overnight or at least for 6-8 hours.
Step Two
After soaking, drain the lentils and grind them to a coarse paste using a little water. Ensure that the paste is not too watery. Set this paste aside for later use.
Step Three
Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan. When the oil is hot enough, add the Jakhya seeds. Allow them to crackle and release their flavors into the oil.
Step Four
Next, add finely chopped green chillies, ginger and garlic into the pan. Saute these ingredients until they turn golden brown.
Step Five
Add the spices, which include, turmeric powder and coriander powder. Fry the spices for about a minute or two, to cook them and eliminate their rawness.
Step Six
Add the ground lentil paste to the pan, and mix thoroughly. Let it cook for about 10 minutes. You might need to stir occasionally to keep the mixture from sticking to the pan.
Step Seven
Next, pour six cups of water into the pan and mix thoroughly to create an even consistency. Add salt to taste. Lower the heat and let this simmer for about 25-30 minutes. This will give your Chainsoo enough time to cook properly.
Step Eight
Finally, garnish the Chainsoo with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot for the best flavors and enjoyment.
