Chola'r Dal with Naarkol and Kishmish

What a bowl of Dal makhani is to a Punjabi , Chola'r dal is that something to Bongs . Made with chana dal or bengal gram , this dal is slightly sweet and is made fragrant with the addition of whole spices like bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon and cardamom. Unlike the other dal recipes , this preparation does not use 5 spice mix or panch phoron and hence , dominates in its own nutty aroma . Made for every special occasion in the Bengali household , be it a birthday celebration , naming ceremony or Durga Pujo , this is traditionally accompanied with Loo-chi ( Deep fried flour bread ) or Korai-shuti'r Kochuri ( Stuffed Bread ) . Let me take you through this simple tadka !

Things you will need

• 01 cup Bengal Gram

• 01 tsp cumin seeds

• 01 tbsp raisins or kishmish

• 01 tbsp chopped coconut

• 01/2 tsp turmeric powder

• Whole garam masala : 01 bay leaf , 01 pc of clove , 02 pods of cardamom and 01 small stick cinnamon

• 02 tbsp ghee

• 01 tsp home made garam masala powder

• Salt and sugar to taste

• 02 cups of water

Steps to Follow

• Rinse chana dal and soak in enough water for approximately one hour .

• Drain the water and add to the pressure cooker along with ½ teaspoon turmeric powder , salt and 02 cup's water . Boil with 01 - 02 whistle's.

• Next , heat ghee in kadai and temper it with the whole garam masala , cumin seeds , raisins , chopped coconut pieces & saute well .

• Once slightly golden , add in the boiled dal and bring it to a boil , till slightly thick in consistency . Do not over-mix as we want the dal to have a wholesome texture and not be a mish - mash .

  • Add sugar as per taste .

• Turn off the heat , top with Ghee and home made garam masala and serve :)