Bengal gram Dal is a flavorsome and healthy food. It is a very nutritious, protein-rich pulse to include in your diet. Also known as Cholar dal in Bengali, the Bengal Gram Dal is a popular recipe among Bengalis.
It is cooked in different flavors, usually a bit salty, but adding a little sweetness to a Bengal gram recipe can result in a whole different type of taste.
Let us see how to make Cholar dal in Bengali style.
Cholar Dal Recipe (Bengali Style Chana Dal)
Recipe to make tasty Cholar Dal easily at home. Simple ingredients, instructions, and equipment to prepare Bengali-style Chana Dal easily.
Equipment
- 1 Induction Cooktop or Gas Stove
- 1 Kadhai
- 1 Mixer Grinder
Ingredients
- 250 g Bengal gram
- 50 g Mustard oil
- 1 pinch asafoetida
- Coconut grated
- Coconut cut into small pieces
- 6 green chillies
- 1 tsp Turmeric
- 2 Dried Red Chilis
- 4 Bay leaves
- 3 Cardamoms small
- 1 inch Cinnamon stick
- 4 cloves
- ½ tsp Whole cumin
- Roasted spices cumin, small cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, dry chili grinded
- 1 tsp Ghee
Instructions
Wash the Cholar Dal
- Soak Bengal gram Dal in water for 2 hours.
- Wash the Dal well after 2 hours.
Pressure cook the Cholar Dal
- Boil dal, little ginger, two green chillies, one bay leaf, little salt and 2 cups of water in a pressure cooker for 4 whistles.
- Once cooked, let it cool.
Fry the coconut
- Now heat a small amount of oil in a pan.
- Add the grated coconut and fry these well until golden brown.
- Now add 2 dry chillies, 2 bay leaves, ½ teaspoon whole cumin seeds, a pinch of asafoetida, 3 small cardamoms, cinnamon and cloves to the oil.
- When the oil releases aroma, add ginger and green chili paste and stir all these for 5 seconds.
Add the Cholar Dal
- Now add the pulses or dal.
- Add Salt to taste, turmeric, pieces of coconut, 2 whole green chillies and a little sugar.
- Remember that Bengal gram prepared in Bengali style is a bit sweeter.
- Boil it for 5 to 10 minutes, spread ghee from the top.
- Now add the roasted and grinded spices and turn off the gas.
Bengali-style Cholar Dal is prepared. Serve it hot with Luchi and Paratha. It tastes really good even if it is kept refrigerated and eaten later.
This authentic traditional Bengali style Cholar Dal is often served on special occasions by Bengalis.