1. Recipes

How to Make Bengali Dhal - A Step-by-Step Guide

Bengali dhal is a classic dish from the region of Bengal in Eastern India, known for its rich and flavorful cuisine. This traditional recipe has been passed down through generations and is a staple in many Bengali households. Made with red lentils, onions, garlic, and a blend of fragrant spices, Bengali dhal is both hearty and comforting, perfect for a cozy family meal or a gathering with friends.

What sets Bengali dhal apart from other dhal recipes is its unique blend of spices, incl...

Read more

Ingredients

  • 1 cup red lentils
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 cup onion, thinly sliced, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped, divided
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ¾ cup cherry tomatoes
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 (2 inch) whole serrano chile peppers (Optional)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 45 mins
  • Servings: 4

  • Wash lentils in a strainer. Combine lentils and water in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 of the sliced onions and garlic, reserving the rest for later. Stir in turmeric, bay leaf, tomatoes, and salt. Add chiles, leaving them whole to add flavor or cut in half to add heat. When mixture begins to boil, reduce heat to a simmer; cook until lentils break apart and thicken slightly, about 20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat until oil shimmers. Add reserved sliced onions; cook and stir until onion has softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low; continue cooking and stirring until onion is very tender and dark brown, 15 to 20 minutes more. Stir in reserved garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until garlic is fragrant and tender, about 2 minutes.
  • Add onion-garlic mixture into cooked lentils and stir. Garnish with chopped cilantro.

    • Nutrition

    224 cal.

    • Total Fat: 4g
    • Saturated Fat: 1g
    • Sodium: 304mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 34g
    • Dietary Fiber: 16g
    • Total Sugars: 2g
    • Protein: 13g
    • Vitamin C: 12mg
    • Calcium: 48mg
    • Iron: 4mg
    • Potassium: 600mg

    Categories

    Red lentil recipes