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A classic Bengali lentil dish made with chana dal, coconut, and a touch of sweetness. This comforting dal, also known as Cholar Dal, has a unique sweet and savory flavor, perfect with luchis or steamed rice.
For 4 servings
Soak and Prepare the Dal
Pressure Cook the Dal
Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
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A classic Bengali lentil dish made with chana dal, coconut, and a touch of sweetness. This comforting dal, also known as Cholar Dal, has a unique sweet and savory flavor, perfect with luchis or steamed rice.
This bengali recipe takes 60 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 290.76 calories per serving with 11g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Combine and Simmer
Finish and Serve
Replace the ghee with an equal amount of coconut oil or any neutral vegetable oil to make the dish fully plant-based.
Increase the number of green chilies or add a pinch of red chili powder along with the ginger paste for extra heat.
Add 1/2 cup of diced pumpkin or sweet potato to the pressure cooker along with the dal for added texture and nutrition.
For a richer, more decadent dal, finish with an extra teaspoon of ghee stirred in just before serving.
Chana dal is a powerhouse of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle building, tissue repair, and overall body function.
The high fiber content aids in digestion, prevents constipation, and promotes a healthy gut microbiome. It also helps in providing a feeling of fullness, which can aid in weight management.
Rich in potassium and low in sodium, chana dal can help regulate blood pressure. The fiber also helps in lowering cholesterol levels, contributing to cardiovascular health.
As a source of complex carbohydrates, this dal provides a slow and steady release of energy, preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar levels and keeping you energized for longer.
Bootor Dal, more commonly known as Cholar Dal, is a traditional Bengali lentil dish made from chana dal (split Bengal gram). It's unique for its characteristic sweet and savory flavor profile, enriched with coconut, raisins, and aromatic whole spices. It is a staple during festivals and special occasions.
Yes, it is quite healthy. Chana dal is an excellent source of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and complex carbohydrates. It helps in managing blood sugar levels, aids digestion, and keeps you full for longer. However, the use of ghee and sugar adds to the calorie count, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
One serving of Bootor Dal (approximately 1 cup or 285g) contains around 290-320 calories. The exact number can vary based on the amount of ghee, sugar, and coconut used.
Absolutely. You can cook the soaked dal in a heavy-bottomed pot on the stovetop. It will take significantly longer, about 45-60 minutes, for the dal to become tender. Ensure you add enough water and stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking.
This can happen for a few reasons: insufficient soaking time, using old or expired dal, or not cooking it long enough. Ensure you soak the dal for at least 2-4 hours and check that your lentils are fresh.
Traditionally, Bootor Dal is famously paired with Luchi (puffy fried bread). It also goes exceptionally well with koraishutir kochuri (pea-stuffed kachori), parathas, or simple steamed basmati rice.