BENGALI SWEET AND SOUR LENTILS

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Bengali Sweet and Sour Lentils image

A very delicious dal to ring the changes. I tend to add less sugar than called for, but the degree of sweetness counteracting the tangy tamarind is a personal preference. Creamed coconut is sold in a firm block. Adapted from a recipe by Beverley Leblanc

Provided by Daydream

Categories     Curries

Time 1h10m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 1/4 cups channa dal
1 quart water
2 bay leaves, torn (or curry leaves)
3 fresh chili peppers, slit to remove seeds, but left whole
3/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon asafoetida powder
2 -3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 onion, finely chopped
3/4 inch fresh gingerroot, finely chopped
1 ounce creamed coconut, grated
1 fresh green chile, seeded if desired, and chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons tamarind paste
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
salt, to taste
1 tablespoon ghee, melted
1 teaspoon garam masala
fresh cilantro, chopped

Steps:

  • Rinse lentils thoroughly under running water, and remove any foreign matter.
  • Combine the lentils and water in a large pan (which has a lid) and bring to the boil, skimming off the foamy scum as necessary. When the scum has ceased rising to the surface, stir in the bay leaves, chilies, turmeric and asafoetida.
  • With the lid half covering the pan, let the lentils simmer gently for around 40 minutes, or until tender and the water is absorbed.
  • Meanwhile, heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or wok. Add the onion and ginger and saute, stirring frequently, for 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the grated creamed coconut, green chili, sugar, tamarind paste, garam masala, cumin and coriander, and stir for around 1 minute.
  • When the lentils are tender, add the sauteed coconut/spice mixture and stir around to mix thoroughly. Taste and add salt, as necessary, and extra sugar or tamarind as desired.
  • Transfer the dal to a serving dish, drizzle the hot ghee over the top, and sprinkle with the garam masala and cilantro.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 418.8, Fat 19, SaturatedFat 7.7, Cholesterol 8.2, Sodium 30.3, Carbohydrate 52.5, Fiber 12.4, Sugar 16.4, Protein 13.7

AR Gamer
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I love the unique flavors in this dish. The tamarind and jaggery give it a perfect balance of sweet and sour.


Janet Yoriola
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This dish is a great way to use up leftover lentils. I added some chopped vegetables and it was a delicious and healthy meal.


JAQ Photographic
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I'm always looking for healthy and delicious vegetarian recipes. This recipe definitely fits the bill. It's packed with protein and flavor.


Sonjoe Kanteshil
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This recipe is a great way to introduce kids to new flavors. My kids loved the sweet and sour flavors and they ate it all up.


Ridoy Rana
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I'm new to Indian cooking and this recipe was a great place to start. It was easy to follow and the dish turned out delicious. I will definitely be trying more Indian recipes in the future.


Yaseen Tech
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This is a great recipe for meal prep. I made a big batch on the weekend and then reheated it for lunch throughout the week. It was just as good the next day.


muhammed muawiya
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I love how versatile this recipe is. I've made it with different types of lentils and vegetables, and it always turns out great. It's a great way to get your daily dose of protein and fiber.


Edward Stearn
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This recipe is a bit time-consuming, but it's worth the effort. The lentils were so flavorful and the sauce was amazing. I will definitely be making this again for special occasions.


Maayan Cristina
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I'm not a fan of tamarind, so I substituted lemon juice instead. The dish was still very good, but I think I would have preferred it with tamarind.


Mane Kocharian
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This recipe is a great way to use up leftover lentils. I added some chopped vegetables and it was a delicious and healthy meal. Thanks for sharing!


ABC Learn Station
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I love the sweet and sour flavors in this dish. It's a great way to change up the usual lentil recipe. I served it with rice and it was a hit with my family.


Adielechi Gift
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This was my first time cooking lentils and this recipe made it so easy. The instructions were clear and the dish turned out delicious. I will definitely be making this again.


Rob Elliott
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I found this recipe to be a bit bland. I added some extra spices and it was much better. Overall, it's a good recipe but it needs a little tweaking.


Martins Vivian
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This dish was a bit too sweet for my taste. I would recommend using less sugar or omitting it altogether. Otherwise, it was a good recipe.


Madina Ahmed
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I'm always looking for new and exciting lentil recipes, and this one definitely fits the bill. The sweet and sour flavors are so unique and delicious. I will definitely be making this again.


Cynthia Bomar
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5/5 stars! This recipe is a keeper. The lentils were so flavorful and the sauce was amazing. I added a little bit of extra tamarind because I love the sour flavor. Definitely recommend!


Luise B
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This is one of my favorite recipes! I love the combination of sweet, sour, and tangy flavors. It's also very easy to make and always a hit with my family. Thanks for sharing!


Ismam Zara
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I'm not a huge fan of lentils, but this recipe changed my mind! The sweet and sour flavors were so well-balanced and the lentils were cooked to perfection. I served it with rice and it was the perfect meal. Highly recommend!


Wami
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This Bengali sweet and sour lentils recipe was a delightful journey into the flavors of India. The lentils were perfectly cooked and the combination of sweet and sour was balanced and delicious. I especially enjoyed the addition of tamarind, which ga


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