Chana Dal With Coconut (Bengali Style)

Cholar dal is one of my favorite lentils. Cholar dal or chana dal is prepared in different ways throughout India. This preparation is very specific to Bengal. The sweet and ravishing yellow colored Bengal gram or cholar dal is one of the best brunch options among Bengali authentic recipes.

Ingredients :

Chana dal(Yellow Split dal/Bengal gram) : 200 gm.
Bay leaf : 1
Cinnamon stick : 1 (1 inch)
cardamom : 2/3
Cloves : 3
Dry red chilli : 1
Fresh coconut : 1/2
Green chilli : 2/3 (Blanched)
Cumin seeds : 1 tsp.
Ginger paste : 1 tbsp.
Turmeric powder : 1/2 tsp.
Ghee : 1 tsp.
Oil : 2 tbsp.
Salt to taste

Method :

Soak chana dal in hot water for half an hour. In hot water it gets soft faster than normal water.
Cut coconut in small pieces and fry them and keep them aside.
Put the soaked pulses along with salt in a pressure cooker with ample water so that the dhal remains 1cm below the water level, cook till three whistles of the pressure cooker
Take out of flame, let the pressure cooker cool.  Mash with a spatula.
When oil is hot, add dry red chilli, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, bay leaves and cumin seeds . When all these get brown and cumin seed crackles, add 1/2 of the ginger paste. Stir for a minute and pour dal. Add turmeric powder, salt and sugar.
If it looks too dry, pour little water and let it boil for 2-3 minutes. Add coconut pieces. Lastly, pour ghee if using.
Serve hot with Luchi/Puri or plain white rice. Enjoy....................