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Dhokar dalna
This is a traditional recipe of West Bengal .The name "Dhoka" meaning in Bengali or Hindi is deception. This is actually a lentil curry but made in a very unusual way.
Prep Time 5 hours
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 5 hours 30 minutes
Servings 3 persons
Author indrani
Ingredients
2
cups
Chana dal or Bengal gram dal
soaked for minimum 4 to 5 hours
Asafoetida
a pinch
1/2
tbsp.
Cumin powder
1/2
tbsp.
Red chilly powder
1
tbsp.
Ginger grated
2
Green chilies
chopped finely
For gravy
2
Potatoes
cut into big pieces optional
1
Onion
grated
2
tbsp.
Ginger paste
1/2
tbsp.
Cumin whole
1
tbsp.
Cumin powder
1
tbsp.
Coriander powder
1/2
tbsp.
Red chili powder
1
tbsp.
All spice powder
2
Bay leaves
2
tbsp.
Oil
Salt to taste
Preparation
Grind the soaked lentils
In a wok add 2 to 3 tbsp of oil,add cumin and asafoetida(hing)and ginger,chilly paste and stir
Add the lentil paste and stir thoroughly.
Add salt and 1 tbsp. of sugar to taste. If you want to customize and add some herbs ,go ahead and do it. any variationn will taste great.
Stir till the mixture leaves the sides of the pan.
Now grease a plate and spread this hot mixture slowly pressing with palms.
Allow it to cool.
Cut this into diamond shaped pieces.
In the wok take 1 cup of oil and heat it for frying.
Deep fry these pieces one by one.
Your Dhoka is ready, you can serve these as a starter now.
Making dalna
you can make your own variation for the gravy.
Deep fry or boil the potato pieces.
Add a tbsp. of oil and heat in.
Add cumin whole into it and bay leaves.
Add onion and ginger paste.
Add turmeric, cumin powder and stir.
Add a cup of water allow to cook on low flame.
Add the potatoes and cook till they are soft.
At last add the "Dhokas" and cover and cook for 5 to 10 minutes.
Garnish with coriander leaves and serve.