Bengali Chana Dal Dhokas (Dhoka Dalna)

 

Ingredients (for 4 servings)

 

1 Cup Chana dal(Bengal gram dal)

 

1/2 tsp cumin seeds

 

1/4 tsp turmeric powder

 

2 pinch asafetida

 

1 tsp grated ginger

 

2 tsp oil

 

salt to taste

 

for gravy:

 

1 small peice ginger

 

2 big tomato

 

2 green chilies

 

1/2 tsp cumin powder

 

1/2 tsp cumin seeds

 

1 tsp coriander powder

 

1 tsp ghee

 

2 pinch asafetida

 

1/2 tsp garam masala

 

1 tsp chili powder

 

1/4 tsp turmeric powder

 

Oilfor frying and cooking

 

salt to taste

 

Method

 

Wash and Soak Bengal gram dal, in water for about 4 to 6 hours.

 

Drain extra water from the dal and make the paste of it by grinding it in a grinder.

 

Now heat 2 tsp oil in a heavy bottom pan. Add cumin seeds when cumin turn brown add grated ginger, asafetida, and turmeric powder in it. Now put the dal paste and salt and cook the dal until it gets soft and thick.

 

Now grease one big plate with oil, and spread the cooked dal on the dish 1/2 inch thick lalyer and lightly press it with spatula. Keep it to cool and then cut it into diamond or square shapes.

 

Heat the oil in a deep frying pan and then fry the dhokas in hot oil until they turn lightly brown in color. Then keep them aside.

 

Now make paste of tomatoes, green chilies, ginger.

 

Now heat oil in a wok add cumin seed and tomato puree and cooked in medium flame, add coriander powder, chili powder, cumin powder and turmeric powder and cook untill oil seperate.

 

Add 2 cup water and salt in it and then keep the curry to boil

 

Now add the fried dhokas in the gravy and cook it to simmer for about 4 to 5 minutes. Add garam masala and ghee in it . Now take off the pan from heat and garnish with coriander leaves.

 

Dalan dhoka is ready serve hot with rice.