Dal Chenchki (Red Lentils with Shallots)
Cuisine: Bengali
Course: Dinner
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Dal Chenchki is a classic Bengali dish that brings together the comforting flavors of red lentils (masoor dal) and shallots, seasoned with a variety of aromatic spices and ghee. This dish pairs wonderfully with Aloo Parwal Sabzi and steamed rice, providing a wholesome and flavorful meal. The simple yet flavorful combination of ingredients creates a dish thatโs both easy to prepare and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pink Masoor Dal (Split) | 1 cup |
| Shallots | 10 pieces |
| Tomato | 1, roughly chopped |
| Green Chillies | 2, roughly chopped |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Bay Leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 leaf |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ghee | For seasoning |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Instructions
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Prep the Dal: Begin by washing the masoor dal thoroughly and setting it aside. You can use a towel to dry it slightly, as we will be roasting the dal later in the recipe for extra flavor.
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Prepare the Ghee Seasoning: Heat a tablespoon of ghee in a pressure cooker. Add the cumin seeds and bay leaf, allowing them to crackle for a few seconds to release their aromatic essence.
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Cook the Shallots: Add the shallots to the pressure cooker and sautรฉ them until they turn golden brown and release a fragrant aroma. In traditional Bengali cooking, whole shallots are often used, but feel free to quarter them if you prefer. The shallots should be tender and lightly caramelized.
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Roast the Dal: Add the washed masoor dal to the pressure cooker and roast it for about a minute on medium heat. This will help bring out the nutty flavor of the lentils. Continue stirring to avoid burning.
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Add the Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, green chillies, red chilli powder, garam masala powder, and coriander powder. Mix everything well and let the spices cook for a few minutes, allowing their flavors to meld together.
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Pressure Cook the Dal: Add 3 cups of water to the mixture in the pressure cooker and stir to combine. Season with salt to taste. Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook for 2 whistles over medium heat. Once the second whistle goes off, reduce the heat to low and let the dal cook for another 3-4 minutes.
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Let the Pressure Release: Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. This step ensures that the dal continues cooking and absorbs all the flavors while the pressure is still inside the cooker.
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Finishing Touches: Once the pressure is fully released, open the cooker and taste the dal to adjust the seasoning if needed. Stir in freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of freshness and flavor.
Serving: Serve the Dal Chenchki with Aloo Parwal Sabzi (another beloved Bengali dish) and a serving of hot steamed rice. Top the dal with a generous spoonful of ghee for an added richness that enhances the dishโs taste.
Allergen Information
- Gluten: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- Dairy: Ghee is used in this recipe, so it contains dairy.
- Legumes: Contains lentils (masoor dal), a legume-based ingredient.
Dietary Preferences
- High Protein: This dish is an excellent source of plant-based protein due to the lentils.
- Vegetarian: This recipe is 100% vegetarian and can be adjusted to suit vegan diets by substituting ghee with oil.
Tips for Success:
- Roasting the Dal: Roasting the dal before cooking is a traditional technique in Bengali cuisine that enhances the flavor of the lentils. Donโt skip this step, as it adds depth to the final dish.
- Adjust the Spices: You can adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of green chillies and red chilli powder.
- Make Ahead: Dal Chenchki is a great make-ahead dish. It stays flavorful for a day or two in the fridge, and the flavors only deepen over time.
Conclusion:
Dal Chenchki is a delightful Bengali recipe that brings together the earthy flavors of red lentils and the aromatic spices of Bengali cuisine. With its ease of preparation and rich, hearty flavor, itโs the perfect comfort food for a cozy dinner. Paired with rice and a side of Aloo Parwal Sabzi, this dish provides a satisfying and nutritious meal. Whether you’re exploring Bengali cuisine for the first time or a long-time fan, Dal Chenchki is sure to impress with its simplicity and taste.
