Sobji Diye Bhaja Muger Dal Recipe – Bengali Style Moong Dal with Winter Vegetables
Description:
This deliciously comforting Bengali-style Sobji Diye Bhaja Muger Dal is a winter staple, delicately flavored with ghee and cumin, allowing the earthy, roasted aroma of yellow moong dal to shine through. Packed with winter vegetables such as cauliflower, pumpkin, green beans, and peas, this dish not only brings warmth to your meal but also boosts nutrition. Lentils, or “dal,” are an integral part of the Bengali diet, often enjoyed as the second or third course of a traditional meal. A ladle of this lightly spiced, vegetable-infused dal is perfect when paired with fritters or stir-fries, making it a complete and wholesome dish. Whether you are enjoying it on a cold winter day or adding a hearty, protein-packed dish to your lunch or dinner, Sobji Diye Bhaja Muger Dal promises satisfaction in every bite.
Cuisine: Bengali Recipes
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient Name | 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) |
| Green Beans (French Beans) | 1/4 cup (cut into 1-inch pieces) |
| Kaddu (Pumpkin) | 1 1/4 cup (diced) |
| Ginger | 1-inch piece (grated) |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Bay Leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1/2-inch piece |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 |
| Cardamom Pods (Elaichi) | 2 |
| Dry Red Chillies | 2 |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 4
Instructions
-
Prepare the Spice Powder:
Start by making the spice powder for the dal. In a pestle and mortar, grind the cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom pods into a fine powder. Set it aside for later use. -
Roast the Moong Dal:
Heat a heavy-bottomed pan on medium heat. Dry roast the moong dal in the pan, stirring constantly for about 8-10 minutes, until it turns golden brown and emits a pleasant aroma. This roasting step brings out the nutty flavors of the dal. Once done, wash the roasted dal 2-3 times to remove any dust. Add 2-1/2 cups of water and a pinch of turmeric powder. Cover the pan and let it cook on medium heat until the dal is nearly cooked through, around 20-25 minutes. -
Cook the Vegetables:
While the dal is cooking, heat a teaspoon of oil in a wok or kadai over medium heat. Add the cauliflower florets, green beans, and a pinch of salt and turmeric. Stir fry the vegetables until they are just tender, taking care not to overcook them. The vegetables should retain a slight crunch. Once cooked, stir in the spice powder mixture and turn off the heat. -
Combine Vegetables with Dal:
Once the dal is almost done, add the stir-fried vegetables, diced pumpkin, and steamed green peas to the pan with the dal. Add salt to taste. Allow the vegetables to simmer in the dal, ensuring they absorb the flavors. If needed, add a little more water to adjust the consistency of the dal. Let everything cook together for another 5-10 minutes. -
Prepare the Tadka/Seasoning:
In a small tadka pan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, and dry red chillies. Once they start to splutter, add the grated ginger and sauté for 10-15 seconds. The ginger will release a fragrant aroma. Pour this hot tadka over the cooked dal and vegetables. Stir in the sugar, check the seasoning, and cover the pan to let the dal simmer for a couple more minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together. -
Serve:
Turn off the heat and remove the dal from the stove. Serve the Sobji Diye Bhaja Muger Dal hot, paired with steamed rice, a side of crispy papad, and a light vegetable stir fry like Aloo Parval for a complete Bengali-style meal. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish that offers warmth and nourishment in every bite.
Tips for the Perfect Sobji Diye Bhaja Muger Dal:
- Roasting the Dal: Take your time to roast the moong dal properly, as it enhances the overall flavor. Stir it constantly to avoid burning.
- Adjust the Vegetables: You can use a variety of seasonal vegetables like carrots or green pumpkin instead of the ones mentioned, depending on availability.
- Consistency of Dal: If you prefer a thicker consistency, reduce the amount of water during cooking. If you like a more soupy dal, add extra water.
- Flavor Variations: For a slightly tangy flavor, you can add a small piece of tamarind or a pinch of dried mango powder (amchur) in the dal just before serving.
This delightful, comforting dish of Sobji Diye Bhaja Muger Dal is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the rich, flavorful Bengali cuisine. It’s perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner and makes for a nourishing family meal, packed with both flavor and nutrients.
