Last Updated on January 13, 2024 by Amanda P. Brown
Dal is one of the incredible sources of plant based proteins. And a Bengali Dal bowl is always ready to amaze you with its flavor, texture and cuisine style. So, if you’re seeking the flavor of Bengali warmth, this article is for you.
From crispy fritters to hearty stews, this article unveils 10 incredible Bengali dal recipes to tantalize your taste buds. Discover the secrets of Daler Bora, the golden fritters, and Sukhi Dal, a symphony of spices.
Explore Macher Matha Dal, where fish and lentils tango, and Kolai Dal with Begun, a creamy eggplant duet. Each recipe is a doorway to a Bengali culinary adventure. So, grab your spices, fire up the stove, and let’s discover a delicious dal journey!
10 Traditional Bengali Dal Recipe Ideas
Table of Contents
- Daler Bora/ Dal Pakora
- Sukha Dal/ Sukhi Dal
- Macher Matha Diye Moong Dal
- Kalai Dal With Begun
- Dal Saag
- Dal Bori
- Aloo Dal
- Dal Gosht
- Aam Dal
- Cholar Daler Halua/chana Dal Halwa
1. Daler Bora/ Dal Pakora
Daler Bora/ Dal pakora is a delectable Bengali snack. It’s created with a spicy lentil batter and deep-fried until golden brown. In English, it is known as lentil fritters.
These lentil fritters have a crunchy outside and a soft, delicious within. It is commonly enjoyed during festivals or as a tea-time treat. With some mint chutney, it can turn into more luscious ones.
2. Sukha Dal
Bengali Sukha Dal/ Sukhi dal is a yummy dish with dry lentils like moong dal or chana dal. This dry dal recipe is cooked to tenderness and flavored with basic spices.
You can use common Bengali spices like panch phoron, green chilies, and mustard oil. This dish is a simple mix of easy ingredients that tastes great.
However, moong dal dry and dry urad dal recipes are the most popular ones.
3. Macher Matha Diye Moong Dal
One of the favored Bengali dal recipes is Macher matha diye moong dal. This recipe involves a great combination of dal and fish head. You’ll need moong dal, fish head, and basic spices to make this simple Bengali dish.
Cook the moong dal until it’s soft, then add the fish head seasoned with traditional spices. Let it simmer until the flavors mix well, and enjoy this unique and tasty dish with steamed rice.
Read More: Delicious Bengali Fish Dishes
4. Kalai Dal With Begun
Kalai Dal with Begun is a simple Bengali dish made with black gram lentils (urad dal) and eggplant (begun). The lentils are seasoned with basic spices like cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and green chilies.
The addition of eggplant adds a nice texture to the Kalai dal bowl. It’s a comforting and easy-to-make dish often served with rice or Indian bread.
5. Dal Saag
Dal Saag is a simple dish that mixes lentils with leafy greens. It usually includes mustard greens, spinach, or fenugreek leaves cooked with lentils and basic spices like cumin and turmeric. You can use different saag for this recipe. But the dal palak recipe/ Palong shak dal is one of the top choices in Bengali cuisine.
However, This dish creates a hearty and tasty meal. It is frequently served with roti or rice.
6. Dal Bori
Daler Bori (ডালের বড়ি) is a classic Bengali dish with sun-dried lentil dumplings. The bori Bengali is easily made at home. Shape a mix of lentil paste, spices, and veggies into dumplings. Then sun-dry until fully dry, and store.
Add these dumplings to your lentil-based dishes like dal or soups when cooking. Thus, these bori recipes will add a luscious flavor and texture. Enjoy the homemade aroma of Dal Bori with different dal bowls in your Bengali dishes.
7. Aloo Dal
Aloo Dal in Bengali cuisine is a simple dish. It brings together lentils and potatoes in one pot. Lentils are cooked until tender, and then potatoes are added. The basic Bengali spices for this recipe are mustard seeds, cumin, and turmeric.
This aloo dal recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish commonly served with rice in Bengali households. This combo offers a hearty and satisfying meal.
8. Bengali Dal Gosht
One bowl of dal with dipped meat bites makes a perfect Dal Gosht meal to satisfy your stomach and heart. This Dal Gosht recipe includes lentils (dal) and meat (gosht), usually mutton or lamb.
They are slow-cooked with Bengali aromatic spices. Thus, the lentil and meat absorb the spices and turn into a hearty meal. You can add this dish to special occasions or enjoy it with family on holiday lunch.
9. Aam Dal
Aam Dal is a Bengali dish featuring yellow lentils (moong dal) infused with the tangy flavor of raw mangoes. Seasoned with common Bengali spices like mustard seeds and cumin.
It offers a unique and refreshing taste. Enjoyed with rice, this dish is a delightful way to savor the flavors of the mango season in Bengali homes.
10. Cholar Daler Halua/Chana Dal Halwa
Cholar Daler Halua/Chana Dal Halwa is a traditional Bengali dessert made from chana dal. To make this halwa, cook chana dal/split chickpeas till mushy, then mix them into a creamy paste.
The paste is then cooked in ghee (clarified butter), and sugar is added. It’s spiced with cardamom and topped with nuts. You can serve this dal dessert at family gatherings or special occasions.
Read More: Traditional Bengali Food
How to Make Traditional Bengali Dal Recipe?
This is a typical method for preparing a basic Bengali dal bowl. This recipe includes the most popular and common masoor dal recipe.
But you can also try this versatile recipe for other dals like Moong Dal, Toor Dal, etc. However, you can simply make this and enjoy an incredible Bengali flavored dal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup – red lentils
- 4 cloves – garlic ( chopped coarsely, divided)
- 1 cup – onion (sliced thinly, divided)
- ½ teaspoon – ground turmeric
- ¾ cup – cherry tomatoes
- 1 – bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons – cilantro (chopped)
- ½ teaspoon – salt
- 2 (2 inch) – whole serrano chile peppers
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cups – water
Cooking Process:
- Step 1
In a strainer, wash the dals. Then, In a saucepan, you need to combine dals and water. Keep the saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Step 2
Set aside half of the garlic and onions for later. Combine the turmeric, tomatoes, bay leaf, and salt in a mixing bowl. Give the chilies whole to give a taste, or chop them in half. This can boost spice.
- Step 3
When the mixture begins to boil, lower it to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, or until the dals break apart and thicken somewhat.
- Step 4
Meanwhile, take a skillet, then pour the vegetable oil. Next, heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Do this until it shimmers. Cook and stir until the saved sliced onions are cooked and transparent. It may take about 5 minutes.
- Step 5
Reduce the flame to medium-low and continue to cook, stirring frequently, till the onion is tender and dark brown. Here, time may take 15 to 20 minutes more. Cook, stirring continually, for about 2 minutes, or until the stored garlic is fragrant and soft.
- Step 6
Stir the onion-garlic mixture into the cooked lentils. Garnish with cilantro, if desired.
Dal Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 224 |
| Protein | 13g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Carbs | 34g |
What to Serve With Dal Bengali Recipe?
The pairing options below will offer you a perfect Bengali meal combo. Let’s check what you can serve with the aromatic Bengali dal bowl.
| Pairs to Bengali Dal | Serving Way | Calories |
| Steamed Rice | Serve over perfectly cooked rice. | 1 cup: 205 calories |
| Roti or Paratha | Enjoy with soft rotis or parathas. | 1 piece: 70-120 calories |
| Luchi (Deep-Fried Bread) | Savor with deep-fried luchis. | 1 piece: 120-150 calories |
| Bengali Bhaja (Fried) Items | Crispy fried veggies complement the dal. | Varies based on veggies and oil used |
| Papad (Crispy Lentil Wafers) | Add crunch with crispy papads. | 1 piece: 20-30 calories |
| Mixed Vegetable Curry | Showcase diverse flavors with a side of mixed vegetable curry. | 1 cup: 100-150 calories |
FAQs
Is Masoor Dal Good for Health?
Yes, Masoor Dal is great for your heart. It helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure with its fiber and protein content. Plus, it has folate that reduces the risk of heart diseases. Including Masoor Dal in your diet is an easy and tasty way to promote heart health.
What is Chana Dal in English?
Chana dal in English is called split chickpeas or split Bengal gram. It’s a classic in Indian cuisine, and it may be used in both savory and sweet recipes. It is well-known for its flavor and scent. Chana dal is both delicious and healthful. This dal adds a wholesome element to various recipes.
How Long to Cook Chana Dal?
Cooking time for chana dal depends on your method! Soak overnight in a pressure cooker for a speedy 15-20 minutes. Or skip the soak and simmer on the stovetop for 30-45 minutes, or pressure cook for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye out for tender, easily mashed dal!
Final Verdict
You can make your homemade Bengali Dal Recipes with 10 amazing ideas. From crispy Daler Bori to the flavorful Sukhi Dal, each dish takes you on a unique journey through Bengali flavors.
Enjoy the fusion of Macher Matha Diya Dal and savor the creamy duo of Kolai Dal with Begun. Moreover, You have the heartwarming delight of Dal Gosht to experience.
These recipes promise a delicious exploration of Bengali cuisine. They are perfect for anyone seeking a taste of Bengal’s culinary treasures.
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- Fish Hilsa – The Jewel of Bengali Cuisine
- Traditional Bengali Breakfast Menu
- Mishti Doi: Preparation, Varitation and Health Benefits
- Exploring the Different Varieties of Rosogolla
- Different Types of Laddu
