Cocooned in Comfort: Embracing the Narkel Diye Cholar Dal Recipe

Narkel Diye Cholar Dal is a delicious Bengali dish made with chana dal (split Bengal gram) cooked with coconut and spices. It is a flavorful and comforting dish that is often enjoyed with luchi (deep-fried bread) or steamed rice. Here's a recipe to make Narkel Diye Cholar Dal:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chana dal (split Bengal gram)
• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2-3 dried red chilies
• 1 bay leaf
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 2-3 green cardamom pods, crushed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste
• 1 teaspoon garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt to taste
• Sugar to taste
• 1/2 cup grated coconut
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing (optional)

Instructions:

1. Wash the chana dal (split Bengal gram) under running water and soak it in water for about 30 minutes. Drain the water.
2. In a pressure cooker, add the soaked chana dal, 2 cups of water, and a pinch of salt. Cook the dal until it becomes soft and mushy. If using a pressure cooker, cook for about 2-3 whistles, or simmer in a pot for around 20-25 minutes until the lentils are well cooked.
3. Heat ghee or oil in a pan or kadai over medium heat.
4. Add cumin seeds, dried red chilies, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and crushed cardamom pods. Let them splutter and release their aroma.
5. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
6. Add ginger paste and garlic paste. Sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
7. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy.
8. Add turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
9. Add the cooked chana dal to the pan. Mix well with the spices and onion-tomato mixture.
10. Add sugar to balance the flavors. Adjust the seasoning if required.
11. Add grated coconut to the dal and mix everything together.
12. Cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
13. Remove from heat.
14. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves, if desired.
15. Serve Narkel Diye Cholar Dal hot with luchi or steamed rice.

Enjoy the flavorful and comforting Narkel Diye Cholar Dal, a delightful Bengali dish made with chana dal and coconut!

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