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How To Make Dhokar Dalna Recipe At Home?

Tanusha Kumari

Tanusha Kumari
Oct 2023

2 min read
Dhoka'r Dalna

Dhokar Dalna is a classic Bengali dish made with lentil cakes (dhoka) cooked in a flavorful gravy. It’s a vegetarian dish with a unique texture and a balance of spices. The Dhoka is made from chana dal (split chickpeas) and spices, is shaped into cakes and then either fried or steamed.

The curry is rich in flavors of spices such as mustard seeds, cumin, and turmeric. Dhoka’r Dalna is often served with rice or bread and portrays the essence of traditional Bengali comfort food. We have got you this recipe for 2 servings.

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Ingredients:

For Dhoka (Lentil Cakes):

– 1/2 cup Chana dal (split Bengal gram)

– 1/2 cup Moong dal (split green gram)

– 2-3 Green chilies, finely chopped

– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

– Salt to taste

For Gravy:

– 2 medium-sized potatoes, diced into small cubes

– 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

– 1 tomato, finely chopped

– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

– 1 large onion, finely chopped

– 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder

– 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder

– 2-3 tablespoons mustard oil

– 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)

– 1/2 teaspoon garam masala

– Salt to taste

– Fresh coriander leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions For Preparing Dhokar Dalna:

For Dhoka (Lentil Cakes):

1. To begin with, wash the chana dal and moong dal thoroughly and soak them for about 3-4 hours.

2. Drain the soaked dal and grind them into a coarse paste without adding water.

3. Add the chopped green chilies, turmeric powder, and salt to the dal paste. Mix well.

4. Then, shape the mixture into small, round lentil cakes (dhoka).

5. Heat a pan with 1-2 tablespoons of mustard oil. Mustard oil adds an authentic Bengali flavor, but it has a strong taste. If you prefer a milder taste, use a different cooking oil.

6. Fry the lentil cakes (dhoka) in the hot oil until they turn golden brown. Once done, remove and set them aside.

For Gravy:

1. Firstly, in the same pan, add more mustard oil or cooking oil.

2. Then, add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.

3. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent.

4. Stir in the diced potatoes and cook for a few minutes.

5. Add turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few minutes until the spices are well incorporated.

6. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.

7. Add water to achieve the desired consistency for the gravy. Cover the pan and simmer until the potatoes are cooked.

8. Return the fried lentil cakes (dhoka) to the pan and gently mix them with the gravy.

9. Sprinkle garam masala and mix it in.

10. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves if desired.

11. Finally, serve your Dhoka’r Dalna with steamed rice or whole wheat roti for an authentic Bengali meal.

It is a delightful and hearty Bengali dish with lentil cakes immersed in a flavorful potato and tomato-based gravy. Enjoy this traditional recipe as part of your weight loss meal because chana dal is good for weight loss.

Nutritional Value

The nutritional value of this dish for a serving of 150-200 gm is mentioned below. Remember this value can vary based on the specific recipe, ingredients used, and portion size.

NutrientValue
Calories150-250 kcal
Carbohydrate15-25 gm
Protein6-10 gm
Fat5-6 gm
Fiber3-5 gm

Fun Fact 

Did you know that you can have poha for weight loss? It is super light on calories but the fiber in it will make you feel full. There are many other reasons to include poha for its amazing powers. So, don’t stop yourself from having poha as your breakfast and snack option.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Dhoka’r Dalna Without Deep Frying The Dhoka?

Yes, you can make Dhoka’r Dalna without deep frying the Dhoka. Also, there is an alternative method to steam the dhoka. Steam them after giving them the desired shape. Once steamed, you can then add them to the curry. However, this method results in a healthier version of the dish. 

What Can I Serve Dhokar Dalna With?

Dhoka’r Dalna is traditionally served with steamed rice, which complements the rich curry. It can also be enjoyed with Bengali bread options like Luchi or plain roti (Indian flatbread) for a wholesome and satisfying meal.

How Do You Make Dhoka For Dhoka’r Dalna?

Soak chana dal (split chickpeas) for a few hours, then grind it into a thick paste. Then season the paste with spices like turmeric, cumin seeds, and salt. Lastly, shape the mixture into cakes and either steam them or deep fry them until they are cooked and golden brown, then use them in the curry.

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Disclaimer

This recipe post was written to help you make healthy and better food choices altogether. So, be aware and take care. The important thing to consider is your own health before starting a diet that is restrictive. Always seek advice from a doctor/dietitian before starting if you have any concerns.

Eat Healthy, Live healthy, and enjoy a long, happy life.

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