Bengali Cholar Dal: A Delicious Bengali Lentil Dish

 Bengali Cholar Dal: A Delicious Bengali Lentil Dish

Introduction:

Bengali Cholar Dal is a traditional Bengali dish made with chana dal (split chickpeas) and flavored with a unique combination of spices. This dal is rich, flavorful, and often served with rice or luchi (deep-fried flatbread). The dish is known for its mildly spiced, slightly sweet, and aromatic taste, making it a beloved comfort food in Bengali households.

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Ingredients for Bengali Cholar Dal:

• 1 cup chana dal (split chickpeas)
• 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
• 2-3 green cardamom pods (elaichi)
• 1-2 cinnamon sticks (dalchini)
• 2-3 cloves (laung)
• 1 bay leaf (tej patta)
• 1-2 dried red chilies (sookhi lal mirch)
• 1-inch ginger (adrak), grated
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (haldi)
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (lal mirch)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (cheeni)
• Salt (namak) to taste
• Water (as needed)
• Fresh coriander leaves (dhania) for garnish

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Steps to Prepare Bengali Cholar Dal:

1. Cook the Chana Dal:
   Wash the chana dal thoroughly and cook it in a pressure cooker or pot with water until soft but not mushy. Add a pinch of turmeric powder (haldi) while cooking.

2. Prepare the Tempering (Tadka):
   In a pan, heat ghee (clarified butter). Add cumin seeds (jeera), green cardamom (elaichi), cinnamon sticks (dalchini), cloves (laung), bay leaf (tej patta), and dried red chilies (sookhi lal mirch). Let them splutter and release their aromas.

3. Add Ginger and Spices:
   Add the grated ginger (adrak) to the tempering and sauté for a minute. Then add turmeric powder (haldi), red chili powder (lal mirch), and salt (namak). Stir well.

4. Combine Dal and Tempering:
   Add the cooked chana dal to the pan, mixing it well with the tempering. Add sugar (cheeni) and stir to combine. Pour in water as needed to achieve the desired consistency, and let the dal simmer for 5-7 minutes.

5. Garnish and Serve:
   Garnish the dal with freshly chopped coriander leaves (dhania). Serve hot with steamed rice or luchi for a traditional Bengali meal.

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Conclusion:
Bengali Cholar Dal is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the goodness of lentils with a blend of spices and sweetness. It is a staple in Bengali cuisine and can be enjoyed as a part of a festive meal or a simple everyday lunch. The distinct flavors of this dal make it a must-try for anyone looking to explore traditional Bengali cooking.