Bengali Style Cholar Dal (Chana Dal) Recipe
Bengali Cuisine | Vegetarian | Serves: 4 | Course: Dinner
Bengali cuisine is known for its unique blend of spices and flavors, with Cholar Dal (Chana Dal) being one of the quintessential dishes of the region. This dish is traditionally served with hot puris or phulkas, making it a comforting meal that’s perfect for dinner. With the sweetness of coconut, the richness of ghee, and the warmth of whole spices, this Bengali-style Cholar Dal is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chana Dal (Split Chickpeas) | 1 cup |
| Coconut (fresh, chopped) | 1/2 cup |
| Ghee | 2 tablespoons |
| Turmeric Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Dry Red Chilies | 2 |
| Cloves | 3 |
| Cinnamon Stick | 1 inch |
| Bay Leaf | 1 |
| Cumin Seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Green Chilies | 2 (slit lengthwise) |
| Fresh Ginger (grated) | 1 inch piece |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fiber | 8g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Sodium | 170mg |
| Sugars | 2g |
Preparation Time
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Soaking Chana Dal | 1 hour |
| Cooking the Dal | 45 minutes |
| Tempering & Final Prep | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 60 minutes |
Instructions
Step 1: Soak and Cook Chana Dal
To begin, thoroughly wash the chana dal (split chickpeas) and soak them in enough water for about an hour. After soaking, drain the water and add the soaked dal to a saucepan with 2.5 cups of fresh water. Bring it to a boil, then simmer on low heat for approximately 30-40 minutes, or until the dal is tender and cooked through. If needed, add more water to ensure the dal doesn’t stick to the pan.
Step 2: Roast the Coconut
While the dal is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the ghee is hot, add the chopped coconut pieces and cook them, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown and release a rich aroma. Be careful not to burn the coconut. Once done, turn off the heat and transfer the roasted coconut to a bowl, setting it aside.
Step 3: Flavor the Dal
Once the chana dal is cooked, check the consistency. It should be soft and slightly soupy. At this stage, add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and salt to taste. Stir everything together, and allow it to simmer on low heat until the dal thickens and the flavors meld together, about 5-10 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
While the dal is simmering, prepare the tempering (tadka) in a separate pan. Heat another tablespoon of ghee on medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then, add the dry red chilies, cloves, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, slit green chilies, and grated ginger. Sauté the spices until the aroma of the ginger and spices fills the air and everything becomes fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Combine and Cook
Once the tempering is ready, add it to the simmering dal along with the roasted coconut. Stir everything together, ensuring the tempering and coconut are well distributed throughout the dal. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
Step 6: Serve
Turn off the heat and discard the bay leaf and cinnamon stick if you prefer. Serve your warm, comforting Bengali-style Cholar Dal with freshly made puris or phulkas. It also pairs wonderfully with steamed rice for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Bengali Cholar Dal
- Soaking the Dal: Soaking the dal for at least an hour will help it cook faster and result in a smoother texture.
- Adjust Consistency: If the dal becomes too thick while simmering, simply add a little water to adjust the consistency to your liking.
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices based on your preference for heat and flavor. If you like a spicier dal, you can increase the number of green chilies.
- Serving Suggestions: This dal is often served with fluffy puris or phulkas, but it also tastes great with steamed rice for a more filling meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for added freshness.
Conclusion
Bengali Style Cholar Dal is a rich, flavorful, and aromatic dish that brings together the earthy taste of chana dal with the warmth of spices and the sweetness of coconut. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of breads or rice, making it a perfect option for both special occasions and everyday meals. Give this Bengali delicacy a try, and let the comforting flavors transport you to the heart of Bengal!
Enjoy this easy-to-make, soul-satisfying Bengali recipe with your loved ones for a truly authentic and delicious meal experience!
