Dhokar Dalna

Dhokar Dalna

Dhokar Dalna

Veg Vegan

Fried chana dal cakes (dhoka) simmered in a tomato-potato gravy spiced with garam masala and cumin — a beloved Bengali vegetarian main that achieves a satisfying meatiness from the lentil cakes.

Cuisines

Bengali

Best for

Lunch Dinner

Build a full meal around Dhokar Dalna

Get a matched combo of sides and accents

Recipe

Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Total: 60 min 2-3 servings

Ingredients

chana dal 1 cup Chana dal
Ginger 1 tablespoon Ginger , paste
Cumin 1 teaspoon Cumin , seeds
turmeric powder 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
red chili powder 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
garam masala 1 teaspoon Garam masala
mustard oil 2 tablespoons Mustard oil
Bay Leaf 2 Bay Leaf
water 2 cups Water
Tomato 1 cup Tomato , puree
Potato 1 Potato , cubed
sugar 1 teaspoon Sugar
salt Salt , to taste
oil Oil , for frying

Instructions

  1. 1 Wash and soak the chana dal for 3-4 hours, then drain.
  2. 2 Grind the soaked dal into a smooth paste using minimal water.
  3. 3 In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of mustard oil and add cumin seeds.
  4. 4 Add ginger paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, and salt. Cook for a minute.
  5. 5 Add the dal paste to the pan and cook on low heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens and leaves the sides of the pan.
  6. 6 Spread the mixture evenly on a greased plate and let it cool. Once set, cut into diamond-shaped pieces.
  7. 7 Heat oil in a pan and deep fry the dhokas (dal cakes) until golden brown. Set aside.
  8. 8 In another pan, heat 2 tablespoons of mustard oil, add bay leaves and cubed potatoes. Fry until the potatoes are golden.
  9. 9 Add tomato puree, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until the oil separates from the masala.
  10. 10 Add water and bring to a boil. Add the fried dhokas and simmer for 10 minutes until the potatoes are cooked.
  11. 11 Sprinkle garam masala and sugar, mix well, and cook for another minute.
  12. 12 Serve hot with steamed rice.

Tips

For a richer flavor, cook the dal paste thoroughly before setting it to ensure the spices are well incorporated.