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Best dhokar dalna recipe with video
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5 from 1 vote

Dhokar Dalna

Dhokar dalna is a vegan Bengali recipe that's basically lentils cakes that are first deep fried and then cooked in a tomato based gravy. Even though a little time consuming, this is a great recipe for those who are interested in sustainable cooking.
Prep Time 1 hour

Ingredients

For the lentil cakes

  • 2 cups Bengal gram/chana dal/cholar dal
  • 1 cup dried peas/matar dal
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tbsp ginger paste
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • Salt to taste
  • 3 tbsp mustard oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp asafoetida
  • 1/2 tsp onion seeds
  • 4-6 green chilies finely chopped
  • oil for deep frying

For the Sauce

  • 3 tbsp mustard or vegetable oil
  • 1-2 bay leaves
  • 3-4 whole cardamoms
  • 1 tsp ginger paste
  • 2 green chilies slit
  • 8 large tomatoes puréed
  • 1 tbsp cumin powder
  • 1 tbsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • salt to taste
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala powder optional

Instructions

To make the lentil cakes

  • Mix the two kinds of dal and soak in water overnight.
  • Drain the water and grind the dals/lentils into a smooth paste.
  • Add coriander powder, chili powder, turmeric powder, ginger paste, salt and sugar and mix well.
  • Heat oil in a thick bottomed pan.
  • Add asafoetida, onion seeds, and green chilies. When they start to splutter, add the dal paste.
  • Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until all the water evaporates and the mix starts sticking together and comes off the side of the pan easily.
  • Remove from heat and form the lentil cakes (follow the video below for instructions).
  • Deep fry the lentil cakes till golden brown (takes about 3-4 minutes).

To make the sauce

  • Heat oil in a pan and temper with bay leaves, cardamoms, ginger paste, and green chilies.
  • Add the puréed tomato and cook for 10-12 minutes.
  • Add cumin powder, coriander powder, chili powder, turmeric powder, salt and sugar. Cook for 10-15 more minutes or until oil separates.
  • Now add the fried lentil cakes and stir lightly.
  • Turn off heat and add garam masala powder.
  • Serve with steamed white rice.

Notes

Do not cook for too long after adding the lentil cakes to the sauce or they will break.
The lentil cakes will absorb a lot of sauce, so make sure that you make extra sauce. Add some water to the sauce if necessary.
You can also add fried potatoes to the sauce.