Cholar Dal

Name: Cholar Dal: Bengali Gram Dal with Aromatic Spices
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 cups Bengal Gram Dal; 3 1/2 tbsp Ghee; 2 Tomatoes; 2 Bay Leaf; Cinnamon (a small piece); 4 Cloves; 4 Cardamoms - 4; 2 tsp Cumin Seeds - 2 tsp; 2 tsp Red Chilli Powder - 2 tsp; 2 tsp Cumin Powder - 2 tsp; 1 tbsp Ginger (grated); 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder; 1/2 tsp Asafoetida Powder; Cashew Nuts (a handful); Raisins (handful); Salt as per taste

Cholar Dal is a Bengali chickpea lentil curry made with Bengal Gram Dal, ghee, and warm whole spices including cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Its rich aromatic profile and creamy texture make it a soul-soothing comfort dish.

🌍Indian

Total

40 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Hard

Est. Cost

$29–$48

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Awesomecuisine · by Praveen Kumar

Ingredients

2 cups Bengal Gram Dal
3 1/2 tbsp Ghee
2 Tomatoes

2 Bay Leaf

Cinnamon (a small piece)

4 Cloves

4 Cardamoms - 4

2 tsp Cumin Seeds - 2 tsp

2 tsp Red Chilli Powder - 2 tsp

2 tsp Cumin Powder - 2 tsp

1 tbsp Ginger (grated)

1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder

1/2 tsp Asafoetida Powder

Cashew Nuts (a handful)

Raisins (handful)

Salt as per taste

16 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Pressure cook the dal for 2 to 3 whistles.
2
Heat ghee in a pan, sauté cashews for 30 seconds, then remove.
3
Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon, and cardamoms, frying for 30-40 seconds.
4
Introduce tomatoes, cumin powder, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, and asafoetida powder.
5
Add the cooked dal, salt, and sufficient water; cook for a few minutes.
6
Switch off when it bubbles; garnish with ginger, cashews, and raisins.
7
Serve hot and relish the flavours of Cholar Dal.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Temper the whole spices (cumin seeds, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom) in ghee first to release their oils and deepen flavor before adding the dal.
Add tomatoes after the dal has softened slightly so they break down into the curry and don't interfere with dal cooking time.
Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of the dal grains.
Bloom the powdered spices (cumin and chilli powder) in the ghee for 30 seconds before adding liquid to prevent raw spice flavor.

Substitutions

Bengal Gram Dal → yellow lentils or red lentils (will reduce cooking time by 15-20 minutes)
Ghee → coconut oil or clarified butter (maintains richness; neutral oil is less traditional)
Fresh tomatoes → canned crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup (adjust water quantity accordingly)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooled Cholar Dal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore creamy consistency.

Common Questions

What is Bengal Gram Dal and can I substitute it?

Bengal Gram Dal (chana dal) is split chickpeas with a nutty flavor. Yellow lentils (moong dal) or red lentils work as substitutes, though they'll cook faster and have a lighter taste.