Dhokar Dalna – A Pure Vegetarian Bengali Delight with Royal Flavors

 Dhokar Dalna is a traditional Bengali vegetarian dish made from spiced lentil cakes (dhoka) simmered in a rich, aromatic gravy. It's often prepared during festivals and religious occasions as it contains no onion or garlic—just pure, flavorful goodness.

📝 Ingredients

For Dhoka (Lentil Cakes):

  • 1 cup chana dal (soaked)

  • 1" ginger, 2 green chilies

  • ½ tsp cumin seeds, turmeric, red chili powder

  • Salt, a pinch of hing

  • Mustard oil

For Dalna (Gravy):

  • 2 potatoes (cubed)

  • 2 tomatoes (pureed)

  • 1 tsp ginger paste

  • ½ tsp cumin seeds, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala

  • 1 bay leaf, ½ tsp sugar

  • Salt, mustard oil, water

👩‍🍳 How to Make

  1. Make Dhoka: Grind soaked dal with ginger & chilies. Cook with spices till thick. Spread on a greased plate, cool, cut into pieces, and fry until golden.

  2. Make Gravy: Sauté potatoes, add tomato-ginger paste and spices. Add water and cook till potatoes soften.

  3. Combine: Add fried dhokas at the end. Simmer for 2-3 mins. Serve hot.

🍛 Best With:

Steamed rice or Bengali pulao. A spoon of ghee on top makes it even better!

💡 Tip:

Handle the dhokas gently—they're soft and absorb the curry like sponges. Enjoy this soulful, protein-rich Bengali delicacy that proves veg food can be just as satisfying!



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