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Dhokar Dalna

Dhokar Dalna

Images on Rasoi Buddy are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the exact appearance of the final dish.

Dhokar Dalna is a masterpiece of Bengali vegetarian cuisine, featuring spiced lentil cakes (dhoka) simmered in a rich ginger-cumin gravy. The cakes are made from a mixture of ground chana dal and white peas dal, which are steamed, cut into diamond shapes, and then deep-fried until crisp. The gravy is uniquely prepared without onion or garlic, relying on ginger paste and hing for its bold aromatic character. It has a complex texture—the spongy cakes absorb the spicy gravy, providing a melt-in-the-mouth experience. This dish is often served during festive lunches or special family gatherings. Best enjoyed with steamed rice or Radhaballavi.

Prep Time40 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Servings4 People
DifficultyHard
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Ingredients

1 cup Chana dal, soaked
1 tsp Ginger paste
1 tsp Cumin powder
1/2 tsp Turmeric
2 tbsp Oil for sautéing
Oil for deep frying
2 Potatoes, cubed
Whole spices (Bay leaf, Cardamom, Cloves)
1 tsp Garam masala
1 tsp Sugar
Salt to taste
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Cooking Instructions

Tips & Secrets

  • Sautéing the dal paste well is key to ensuring the cakes don't break during frying.
  • Don't overcook the cakes in the gravy as they are very spongy and absorb liquid quickly.
  • The addition of a little sugar is essential for the authentic Bengali gravy profile.
  • A combination of chana dal and a little white peas dal makes the cakes more stable.

Nutritional Information(Per 250g)

Calories

280 kcal

Protein

12g

Fat

16g

Carbs

26g

Note: Nutritional values are professional estimates per standard serving (~200-250g / ml) and may vary based on ingredient quality and preparation methods.