Dhokar Dalna

 

Dear Friends,

     Today I am here to share with you a Bengali vegan recipe, Dhokar Dalna. But before that would like to share the benefits of Bengal Gram. Chana dal or Bengal gram is a staple in India. It has a delicious deranged flavor, and when ground, it is identified as besan or gram flour.

Chana dal or Bengal Gram is Great for the Heart. It helps to reduce bad cholesterol in our blood.

 Bengal Gram helps to build Strong Muscles. Due to the presence of high protein in chana dal, it supports to better our body immunity.

Bengal Gram is rich in folates. Folate is crucial in the prevention of diseases like stroke, depression, dementia. We know calcium helps our body to get healthy bones and teeth. Those who have lactose intolerance and didn't like to drink milk or any dairy product can eat chana dal. Due to the presence of fiber Bengal Gram helps to decrease blood sugar. Organic Bengal Gram is exceptionally beneficial for type 2 diabetics. So, let's start making Dhokar Dalna.

Ingredients:-

For Dhoka-

1. Bengal Gram or Chana Dal- 2cups.
2. Ginger Powder- 4tsp.
3. Cumin Seeds- 2tsp.
4. Cumin powder- 2tsp.
5. Salt- To taste.
6. Sugar- As required.
7. Asafoetida- 1tsp.
8. Vegetable oil- As required.
9. Green chilies- 4nos.

For the Gravy:-

1. Potatoes- 4(diced).
2. Bay leaves- 2nos.
3. Ginger- 1-inch(paste).
4. Cumin Powder- 1tsp.
5. Coriander Powder- 2tsp.
6. Cumin seeds- 1-1/2 tsp.
7. Tomatoes- 3(chopped).
8. Red chili powder- 2tsp.
9. Green Chilies- 3nos.
10. Turmeric Powder- 1tsp.
11. Garam Masala Powder- 1tsp.
12. Salt- To taste.
13. Ghee(clarified butter)- 1tbsp.
14. Mustard Oil- 4tsp.

Preparation Method:-

Step 1- One day before wash and soak chana dal under sufficient water. If you want to make Dhoka on the same day, then soak Bengal gram under warm water for 3-4 hours.

Step 2- Next day or after 3-4 hours. Transfer soaked chana dal into a grinder jar, add green chilies(4nos.) and little water. Make a paste with chana dal. Take out in a bowl.

Step 3- Now, place a non-stick pan on medium flame. Add 2tbsp of vegetable oil. Then add cumin seeds, asafoetida, lentil mixture, dry ginger powder. Mix well until the lentil mixture dries and comes together.

Step 4- Grease a plate with some vegetable oil and transfer the lentil mixture to it. Spread evenly. Set aside until completely cool down. Can also keep in the refrigerator.

Step 5- Once the lentil mixture cools down completely, cut them into diamond shape pieces. Deep fry them until golden in color. Take out fried Dhoka from oil and keep it in a kitchen towel.

Step 6- Place a wok on medium flame. Add mustard oil. Once oil will become hot, add bay leaves, cumin seeds. Saute for a few seconds.

Step 7- Next, add ginger paste, tomatoes. Mix well. Now add cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, salt, and sugar. Cook until tomatoes become mushy.

Step 8- Now add potatoes and water. Cover the wok with a lid. Reduce flame. 

Step 9- Once potatoes are cooked completely, add fried dhokas in the gravy. Cook for 3-4 minutes.

Step 10- Next, add garam masala powder and ghee. Stir well. Turn off the flame. Cover the wok for 5 minutes.

Step 11- Now it's ready to serve with Steamed Rice or Paratha.