Bengali Dal recipe
π‘ 1. Bengali Cholar Dal (Festive Bengal Gram Dal)
πΏ Ingredients
Chana dal (Bengal gram) β 1 cup
Bay leaf β 1
Dry red chillies β 2
Cinnamon stick β 1 inch
Cardamom β 2
Cloves β 2
Ginger paste β 1 tsp
Grated coconut β 2 tbsp (optional, lightly fried)
Turmeric powder β Β½ tsp
Sugar β Β½ tsp
Salt β to taste
Ghee β 2 tbsp
Mustard oil β 1 tsp (optional, for aroma)
π©βπ³ Method
Boil the Dal
Wash and soak the chana dal for 30 minutes.
Pressure cook with turmeric and enough water till soft but not mushy (about 3β4 whistles).
Prepare the Tempering
Heat ghee in a pan.
Add bay leaf, red chillies, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.
Add ginger paste and fry for a few seconds.
Combine and Simmer
Add boiled dal to the pan.
Mix well, add salt, sugar, and fried coconut (if using).
Simmer on low flame for 5β7 minutes till it thickens slightly.
Finish and Serve
Add a drizzle of ghee or mustard oil on top before serving.
π Serve with: Hot Luchi, Koraishutir Kachori, or Steamed Rice.
π 2. Bengali Moong Dal (Bhaja Muger Dal β Everyday Comfort Dal)
πΏ Ingredients
Moong dal β 1 cup
Bay leaf β 1
Dry red chillies β 2
Green chillies β 2 (slit)
Ginger paste β 1 tsp
Turmeric powder β Β½ tsp
Mustard oil β 1 tbsp
Ghee β 1 tbsp
Salt β to taste
Sugar β Β½ tsp
π©βπ³ Method
Dry Roast the Dal
In a dry pan, roast moong dal on low flame until lightly golden and fragrant.
Wash it gently afterward (optional).
Boil the Dal
Pressure cook with turmeric and water (2Β½ cups) till soft but not mushy.
Prepare the Tempering
Heat mustard oil in a pan.
Add bay leaf and red chillies; let them splutter.
Add ginger paste and green chillies; sautΓ© briefly.
Add and Simmer
Pour in the boiled dal, add salt and sugar, and simmer for 5 minutes.
Add ghee at the end for that authentic Bengali aroma.
π‘ Pro Tips
β
Donβt overcook the dal β Bengali dals should retain texture.
β
Always finish with ghee or a touch of mustard oil for aroma.
β
For festive flavour, garnish with fried coconut pieces or cashews.
π½οΈ Serving Suggestion
Cholar Dal β Best with Luchi or Kachori
Bhaja Moong Dal β Perfect with Steamed Rice, Aloo Bhaja, or Begun Bhaja (fried brinjal slices)