Bengali Chapor Ghonto Recipe: Moong Dal with Vegetables
Welcome to a delightful culinary experience where traditional Bengali flavors come alive in the form of Chapor Ghonto. This beloved dish, rich in protein and vibrant vegetables, brings together the earthy taste of moong dal and the fresh, colorful essence of seasonal vegetables. Perfect for a satisfying dinner, it pairs beautifully with Bengali Luchi and refreshing Boondi Raita. Let’s embark on this flavorful journey together, ensuring that every bite offers a taste of authentic Bengali cuisine.
Ingredients
To craft this delicious Bengali Chapor Ghonto, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Yellow Moong Dal (Split) | 1 cup |
| Dry Red Chilli | 1 |
| Ginger (grated) | 1/2 inch |
| Salt | To taste |
| Mustard Oil | As required to grease |
| Ghee | 1 teaspoon |
| Panch Phoran Masala | 1 teaspoon |
| Bay Leaves (Tej Patta) | 2 |
| Dry Red Chillies (halved) | 2 |
| Potato (Aloo, cubed) | 1 |
| Small Green Brinjal (cubed) | 1 |
| Bottle Gourd (Lauki, cubed) | 1 cup |
| Carrot (Gajjar, cubed) | 1 |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon (adjustable) |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/8 teaspoon |
| Chana Dal (Bengal Gram, cooked) | 1/2 cup |
| Coriander Leaves (chopped) | As required |
Nutritional Information
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the nutritional benefits of this hearty dish:
| Nutritional Information | Per Serving (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
Preparation Time
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 180 minutes | 45 minutes | 225 minutes |
Servings
| Servings |
|---|
| 4 |
Cuisine & Course
| Cuisine | Course |
|---|---|
| Bengali | Dinner |
Diet
| Diet |
|---|
| Vegetarian |
Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the cooking instructions, step by step, to create this vibrant Bengali Chapor Ghonto:
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Soak the Moong Dal: Start by washing the yellow moong dal thoroughly under running water. Then, soak the dal in enough water for 3 to 4 hours to allow it to soften and expand.
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Prepare the Dal Mixture: After soaking, drain the excess water from the dal. In a mixer grinder, coarsely grind the soaked moong dal along with the dry red chilli and grated ginger. Add salt to taste and mix thoroughly until well combined.
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Shape the Patties: Grease your hands and a flat tawa (griddle) with a little mustard oil. Pinch small portions of the dal batter, pat them flat to form small patties, and place them carefully on the greased surface.
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Cook the Patties: Once you have shaped all the patties, heat the tawa over medium heat. Cook the patties until they turn crisp and golden brown on all sides, which should take about 10-15 minutes. Once done, drain the patties on paper towels to remove excess oil and set aside.
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Cook the Vegetables: In a kadai or wok, heat 1 teaspoon of ghee over medium flame. When the ghee is hot, add panch poran masala, bay leaves, and halved dry red chillies. Allow the spices to release their enticing aromas.
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Add the Vegetables: Now, add the chopped vegetables: cubed potato, green brinjal, bottle gourd, and carrot to the kadai. Sprinkle in the turmeric powder, add salt to taste, and pour in 1 cup of water. Stir well to combine.
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Cook Until Tender: Cover the kadai and let the Chapor Ghonto simmer for about 6 to 7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and cooked through.
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Incorporate Chana Dal: Next, add the cooked chana dal to the vegetable mixture and stir well to combine. Allow the dish to cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, adjusting water if necessary to achieve your desired consistency.
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Finish with Patties and Coriander: Finally, gently fold in the crispy lentil patties and chopped coriander leaves. Stir to ensure everything is well combined. Switch off the heat once everything is heated through and aromatic.
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Serve: Your delicious Bengali Chapor Ghonto is now ready to be served! For an authentic experience, enjoy it alongside Bengali Luchi and a refreshing Boondi Raita to balance the flavors beautifully.
Conclusion
Indulge in the rich flavors and vibrant textures of this Bengali Chapor Ghonto recipe, a wonderful blend of nutritious moong dal and colorful vegetables. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish reflects the essence of Bengali cuisine. Each bite is not just a meal but a celebration of culture and tradition. Enjoy your culinary journey and share the love through food!
