Bhaja Mooger Dal

Bhaja Mooger dal is a Bengali delicacy specially for winter. Here yellow moong dal is dry roasted to bring out its nutty aroma and then cooked with fresh winter vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 cup yellow moong dal
• 1/2 cup cauliflower florets cut into small pieces
• 1/2 cup fresh green peas (I used frozen)
• 1/4 cup fresh or frozen grated coconut
• 1 tsp. freshly grated ginger
• 1/4 tsp. turmeric powder
• 1 tsp. ghee (Clarified butter)
• 1 tsp. sugar
• Salt to taste
• 2 tsp.canola or any refined oil
• For Tempering
  • 1 tsp. cumin seeds
  • 2-3 bay leaves
  • 2-3 green chilies slit lengthwise

Procedure

Take a pan and add dry moong dal to it. Dry roast on medium heat till you get a nutty flavor and the grains take a light brown hue. Remove immediately from the heat and allow it to cool down. Wash them thoroughly once it is cooled.

In a pressure cooker boil the roasted dal with 2 cups of water, turmeric powder and grated ginger for one whistle. Let the steam escape.

In another pan heat oil and temper it with cumin seed, bay leaves and green chilies. Sauté till the oil turns fragrant. Add cauliflower florets to it and fry on low heat till you get a nice aroma of fried cauliflower. Transfer this content to the pressure cooker.

Add green peas. Season the dal with salt and sugar. If this meal is planned for the kids then remove the green chilies now and add during the time of garnishing. Simmer dal along with the vegetables on low heat till the dal and the vegetables are cooked. You can add little water if required.

Pour the dal in a serving bowl and garnish with freshly grated coconut and finish it off with a spoonful of ghee.

Serve with plain hot rice.