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Cholar Dal

Cholar Dal

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Cholar Dal Recipe
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Durga Puja Special: Easy And Authentic Bengali
Cholar Dal
Recipe

40 mins
Cooking Time
Easy
Difficulty
15
Ingredients
Veg + Dairy
Diet
Cholar Dal is a classic Bengali dish, loved for its sweet-spicy flavour and festive charm. Tender chana dal is cooked with aromatic spices, ghee, and golden fried coconut slices, making it perfect for Durga Puja or any celebratory meal. This version balances taste and simplicity, ideal for home cooks looking for authentic flavour.

Ingredients

UNITSIngredients
1 1/4 cupsSplit Bengal gram (chana dal) soaked
1/2 teaspoonTurmeric powder
1 tablespoonSugar (or to taste)
to tasteSalt
1 tablespoonGhee
1/4Fresh coconut cut into 1/2 inch thick slices
6–8Cloves
1-inch stickCinnamon
4Black cardamoms
1 teaspoonCumin seeds
3Dried red chillies (broken)
2–3Green chillies (roughly chopped)
2 tablespoonsRaisins
1 teaspoonGinger paste
4 cupsWater

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Follow
Directions

Description - Step 1

Step 1: Cook dal

In a deep non-stick pan, heat 4 cups of water. Add soaked chana dal, turmeric, sugar, and salt. Cover and cook on medium flame until the dal is soft but holds its shape. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The lightly sweetened dal forms the base of this festive dish.

 

Description - Step 2

Step 2: Fry the coconut

In another pan, heat ghee and fry the coconut slices until golden brown. Drain on absorbent paper to remove excess ghee. This adds a crunchy, nutty flavour that elevates the dal’s texture.

 

Description - Step 3

Step 3: Temper spices

Add cloves, cinnamon, black cardamoms, cumin seeds, dried red chillies, green chillies, and raisins to the remaining ghee. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until aromatic. This step infuses the ghee with deep flavours essential to authentic Bengali cooking.

Description - Step 4

Step 4: Combine dal and spices

Add cooked chana dal and ginger paste to the tempered spices. Mix gently, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the dal thickens slightly. Stir in half of the fried coconut slices for a layered taste experience.

 

Description - Step 5

Step 5: Serve and garnish

Transfer the dal into a serving bowl. Garnish with the remaining fried coconut slices. Serve hot for the best taste. The dish pairs perfectly with fluffy luchi or plain steamed rice.

 

Step 1
Step 1: Cook dal
15 Minutes
Step 2
Step 2: Fry the coconut
5 Minutes
Step 3
Step 3: Temper spices
3 Minutes
Step 4
Step 4: Combine dal and spices
12 Minutes
Step 5
Step 5: Serve and garnish
5 Minutes

Plate it up!

Plating Instructions

plating-instructions-image

Serve dal in a shallow bowl and place fried coconut slices on top for visual contrast.

... Read More

Pairing Instructions

pairing-instructions-image

Combine with hot luchi or plain rice; a dollop of ghee enhances the aroma.

 

 

... Read More

Garnishing Instructions

garnishing-instructions-image

Add a few fresh coriander leaves or a couple of green chillies for festive colour.

... Read More

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