How To Make Dhokar Dalna At Home?

Any festive season is incomplete without indulging in some traditional Bengali dishes, and Dhokar Dalna is one such iconic meal. A delightful combination of fried lentil cakes simmered in a rich, flavourful gravy, this dish is a vegetarian favourite that’s often served as part of the festive meal. We’ve curated a detailed guide on how to make special Dhokar Dalna at home. Keep reading to learn the recipe.

What Is Dhokar Dalna?

Dhokar Dalna is a traditional Bengali dish made from chana dal (Bengal gram lentils). The term "Dhoka" refers to the fried lentil cakes, while "Dalna" is the spiced curry or gravy in which the lentil cakes are simmered. This dish is not only delicious but also entirely vegetarian, making it ideal for festive occasions when many observe a vegetarian diet. Dhokar Dalna has its roots in Bengali households and is loved for its simplicity and deep, aromatic flavours.

The crispy lentil cakes add texture to the silky tomato-based gravy, creating a perfect balance of crunch and creaminess. Despite its rich taste, it doesn’t require any onion or garlic, keeping it light yet flavourful, making it ideal for festive meals.

How To Make Dhokar Dalna At Home?

To prepare Dhokar Dalna at home, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you make this classic Bengali dish.

For the lentil cakes or Dhoka:

1. Grind the soaked chana dal with green chillies and a little water into a thick, smooth paste.
2. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan and add cumin seeds.
3. Add ginger paste and sauté for a minute.
4. Add the dal paste, salt, and turmeric, and stir continuously until the mixture thickens and starts leaving the sides of the pan.
5. Grease a plate with oil and spread the thickened dal mixture evenly. Let it cool.
6. Once cooled, cut the mixture into small squares or diamond shapes.
7. Shallow fry these pieces in oil until they turn golden brown and crisp. Set them aside.

For the gravy or Dalna:

1. In the same pan, heat oil and add cumin seeds.
2. Add pureed tomatoes and cook until the raw smell disappears.
3. Add turmeric powder, cumin powder, salt, and sugar. Cook the spices well until the oil separates from the gravy.
4. Add water to the gravy and let it simmer for a few minutes.
5. Gently add the fried lentil cakes (Dhoka) into the gravy and cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes so they absorb the flavours.
6. Finish with a drizzle of ghee and garam masala for extra flavour.

Serve Dhokar Dalna hot with steamed rice or luchis (fried flatbreads) for a complete traditional Bengali meal experience. 

Image Credits: Pinterest/gayathriscookspot.com

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