By Rajan Bhattacharya
December 8, 2024
Cholar Dal is a traditional Bengali dish made from chana dal, infused with coconut and aromatic spices. This lentil dish is perfect when paired with luchi or poori, offering a comforting and flavourful experience.
1 cup chana dal 600 ml water 1.5 tablespoons cashews (optional) ½ teaspoon turmeric powder 2 teaspoons sugar ½ teaspoon cumin powder ¼ teaspoon red chilli powder 1 bay leaf
½ teaspoon cumin seeds 2 dried red chillies 1 pinch asafoetida 1 teaspoon grated ginger 2 tablespoons chopped coconut 2 tablespoons ghee or oil 1 inch cinnamon stick 3 cloves 2 green cardamoms
Rinse the chana dal well and soak it in water for one hour.
Drain the water and add the soaked dal and turmeric powder.
Add water and cook the dal on medium heat for 4 to 5 whistles. Add sugar, salt, raisins, and cashews.
Prepare the tempering by frying cumin seeds, bay leaf, ginger, and dried chillies in ghee.
Add the tempering to the dal, followed by cumin powder and red chilli powder. Stir well. Fry the coconut until golden, then add it to the dal.