Sobji Diye Bhaja Muger Dal: Bengali Style Moong Dal with Winter Vegetables
Recipe Overview
Dive into the heart of Bengali cuisine with this comforting Sobji Diye Bhaja Muger Dal, a delightful blend of yellow moong dal enriched with vibrant winter vegetables. This dish perfectly balances flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits, making it an excellent choice for a wholesome lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Yellow Moong Dal (Split) | 3/4 cup |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cauliflower (Gobi) | 1 cup, cut into florets |
| Green Peas (Matar) | 2 tablespoons, steamed |
| French Beans (Green Beans) | 1/4 cup, cut |
| Kaddu (Parangikai/Pumpkin) | 1 1/4 cups, diced |
| Ginger | 1 inch, grated |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Bay Leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 leaf |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1/2 inch |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 pieces |
| Cardamom Pods/Seeds (Elaichi) | 2 pods |
| Dry Red Chillies | 2 pieces |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8 g |
| Total Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings
- Yield: 4 servings
Instructions
-
Prepare the Spice Powder:
Begin by creating the aromatic spice blend that will elevate your dal. In a pestle and mortar, combine the cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom pods. Grind these spices until they form a fine powder, then set aside for later use. -
Roast the Moong Dal:
In a heavy-bottomed pan, dry roast the yellow moong dal over medium heat. Stir continuously for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, ensuring it turns a beautiful golden color without burning. Once roasted, rinse the dal under running water 2 to 3 times, then add 2 1/2 cups of water along with a pinch of turmeric. Cover the pan and allow the dal to cook on medium heat until it becomes tender and almost fully cooked. -
Cook the Vegetables:
While the dal is cooking, it’s time to prepare the vegetables. Heat a teaspoon of oil in a wok or kadai over medium heat. Add the cauliflower florets and cut green beans, sprinkling in a pinch of salt and turmeric. Stir-fry the vegetables gently until they are just tender, taking care not to overcook them. Once done, stir in the prepared spice powder and remove from heat. -
Combine the Dal and Vegetables:
When the moong dal is nearing completion, add the stir-fried vegetables along with the diced pumpkin and steamed green peas. Season with salt to taste, allowing all the ingredients to simmer together for a few minutes until the vegetables are fully cooked and flavors meld beautifully. If the dal seems too thick, adjust the consistency by adding a little water as needed. -
Prepare the Seasoning:
For the finishing touch, heat ghee in a small tadka (tempering) pan. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, and dry red chilies. Once they start to splutter, incorporate the grated ginger. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant, then pour this seasoning over the cooked vegetable dal. Add sugar, check for salt, and cover the pan to let the flavors mingle and the dal to simmer for a couple more minutes. -
Serve:
Once finished, turn off the heat and allow the Sobji Diye Bhaja Muger Dal to rest for a few moments. Serve hot with warm steamed rice, crispy papad, and Aloo Parval (a spiced potato dish), creating a complete and satisfying meal that beautifully showcases the essence of Bengali home cooking.
Enjoy this heartwarming dish that encapsulates the warmth of winter, perfect for sharing with family and friends!
