Aamer Dal is a Bengali Mango Dal Recipe where matar dal (yellow split peas) is cooked with raw green mangoes. Tok means sour in Bengali and the Tok Dal gets its sourness from the green mango. The mango flavoured dal goes well with steamed rice.
An absolutely refreshing dal, the best way to enjoy toker dhal is by spooning it over plain white rice, mixed with desi ghee to enhance the flavour, with crispy aloo bhaja as a side dish. Pure comfort food, indeed!
If you love exploring traditional Indian lentil dishes, this refreshing summer dal deserves a place on your menu.
What is Aamer Dal?
Aamer Dal is a traditional Bengali lentil preparation made with dal and raw green mangoes (kacha aam). It is particularly popular during the hot summer months when fresh, sour mangoes are readily available.
The word Aamer means mango, while Dal refers to lentils. Together, they create a simple yet flavourful dish that perfectly balances the earthy taste of lentils with the natural tanginess of raw mango.
Typically prepared using yellow moong dal, matar dal or masoor dal, Bengali mango dal is flavoured with turmeric, green chillies, and a tempering of mustard seeds or panch phoron. Some households add a little sugar or jaggery to balance the sourness of the mangoes.
Unlike rich, heavily spiced dals, this Bengali tok dal is light, refreshing, and wonderfully comforting. It is traditionally served with steamed rice, making it a much-loved summer meal in Bengali homes.
Goodness of Mango:
Raw mangoes are more than just a source of delicious tanginess. They also offer several nutritional benefits.
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🍃 Rich in vitamin C: Raw mangoes provide vitamin C, which supports normal immune function and collagen formation.
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💚 Supports digestion: Their fibre content helps support healthy bowel movements.
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🛡️ Provides antioxidants: Mangoes contain beneficial plant compounds that help protect cells from oxidative stress.
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⚡ Supports hydration: Raw mangoes contain water and can contribute to overall fluid intake.
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🌿 Provides vitamin A precursors: Mangoes contain carotenoids that the body can use to produce vitamin A, which supports normal vision and immune function.
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❤️ Naturally low in fat: Raw mangoes are naturally low in fat and can add flavour without relying on rich ingredients.
Aamer Dal With Raw Mango Step By Step:
A little tangy, mildly sweet, wonderfully comforting, and bursting with the flavours of summer! Aamer Dal Recipe is a traditional Bengali-style lentil dish that brings together soft-cooked dal and the refreshing sourness of raw green mangoes. It’s the kind of simple homemade comfort food that makes an everyday meal feel special.
Popularly enjoyed during the summer months when raw mangoes are in season, this Bengali mango dal is delicately flavoured with turmeric, green chillies, and a fragrant tempering of mustard seeds or panch phoron. The result is a light, tangy dal with just the right balance of sourness and sweetness.
Whether you call it Aamer Dal, Kacha Aam Diye Tok Dal, or Bengali Tok Dal, this traditional Bengali raw mango dal tastes absolutely delicious with a plate of steaming hot rice. Best of all, it uses everyday pantry ingredients and comes together without much fuss!
- To make sour and tangy Aamer Dal, firstly wash the matar dal well.
- Then, pressure cook the dhal with 1 ½ cups water and a pinch of turmeric. Cook for one high and two low whistles, till the dal is almost done.
- Meanwhile, thickly slice the raw mango and slit the green chilli.
- Open the cooker once the pressure releases and drop in the mango slices and green chillies. Close the lid and pressure cook for one whistle. The lentils are nicely cooked and the raw mango slices turn tender.
- Heat oil in a frying pan and temper with mustard seeds and dry red chillies.
- Meanwhile, lightly whisk the pressure cooked Toker Dal and add it to the tempering.
- Next add salt and sugar. Mix well and cook for 1-2 minutes. If the mango dal is too thick then add a little water.
- Lastly, take the cooked yellow dal off the heat.
- Serve Aamer Dal with plain rice and jhuri alu bhaja.
Looking for more protein-rich vegetarian meals? Browse our Lentil Recipes for easy and satisfying ideas, like this Tur Dal Vegetable Sambar.
Serving suggestions for Aamer Dal Recipe
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🍚 Steamed rice: The classic combination! Serve Aamer Dal with fluffy hot rice for a comforting Bengali lunch.
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🥔 Aloo Bhaja: Crispy Bengali potato fries add a lovely crunchy contrast to the soft, tangy dal.
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🍆 Begun Bhaja: Golden, pan-fried eggplant slices pair beautifully with the sourness of raw mango dal.
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🥒 Aloo Peyajkoli Bhaja: A delicious vegetable stir-fry that makes the meal even more satisfying.
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🫓 Papad or crispy fryums: Add a crunchy element to your traditional Bengali thali.
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🥬 Shukto: For a more elaborate Bengali vegetarian meal, serve it alongside this mildly bitter mixed vegetable preparation.
My favourite combination: A generous serving of steamed rice, Aamer Dal, crispy Aloo Bhaja, and a squeeze of lime-free freshness from the mango itself!
Variations of Aamer Dal Recipe
One of the best things about homemade Bengali mango dal is how easily you can adapt it to your taste.
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🥣 Moong Dal Aamer Dal: Use lightly roasted yellow moong dal for a nutty aroma and traditional Bengali flavour.
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🧡 Masoor Dal with Raw Mango: Replace moong dal with red lentils for a softer texture and slightly different flavour.
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🌶️ Spicy Kacha Aam Tok Dal: Add extra green chillies and a pinch of red chilli powder for a hotter version.
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🍯 Sweet and Sour Mango Dal: Add a little sugar or jaggery to balance the sharp tanginess of sour mangoes.
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🌿 Panch Phoron Aamer Dal: Use Bengali five-spice seasoning in the tempering for a more aromatic flavour.
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🥥 Coconut Mango Dal: Add a small amount of grated coconut for a subtle sweetness and richer texture.
Tips For Perfect Kacha Aam Diye Tok Dal
Want your Bengali mango dal to taste just like a traditional homemade preparation? Keep these simple tips in mind.
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Choose firm raw mangoes: Use fresh, green, unripe mangoes with a pleasantly sour taste. Avoid overripe or sweet mangoes.
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Roast the moong dal: If using yellow moong dal, lightly roast it until fragrant before washing and cooking. This adds a lovely nutty flavour.
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Adjust the mango quantity: The sourness of mangoes varies, so start with a moderate quantity and adjust according to taste.
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Cook mangoes until tender: The mango pieces should soften but retain enough shape to make the dal visually appealing.
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Don’t overdo the spices: Aamer Dal is meant to be light and refreshing. Let the mango and lentils shine.
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Balance the flavours: If the mangoes are exceptionally sour, add a little sugar or jaggery.
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Use mustard oil for tempering: A small amount of mustard oil gives the dal a distinctive Bengali flavour.
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Finish with fresh coriander: A little chopped coriander adds freshness, although it is optional.
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Kacha Aam Diye Toker Dal Recipe details below:
Kancha Aamer Dal Recipe
Ingredients
- Matar Dal/Yellow split peas – ½ cup
- Raw Mangoes - 1
- Green Chilli –1
- Turmeric – ¼ tsp
- Water – 1 cup – 1 ½ cups
Tempering:
- Mustard seeds – ¼ tsp
- Dry Red Chilli - 2
- Salt – 3/4 tsp
- Sugar – 1 tsp
- Oil – ¾ tbsp
Instructions
- Wash the matar dal.
- Boil the dal with turmeric, green chilli and 1 ½ cups water for one high, two low whistles.
- Wash and slice the green mango. Slit the green chilli.
- Open the cooker, add cut mango slices and green chilli and cook for 1 whistle.
- Cool and whisk the Aam Dal.
- Heat oil in a pan. Temper with mustard seeds and dry red chilli. Pour the the kancha aam er dal into the kadai and stir well. Add salt and sugar. Add water if the Kacha Aam Dal is too thick. Let the green mango dal simmer for 1-2 minutes. Remove Mango Dal into a serving dish.
- Serve this sweet and sour Kancha Aamer Dal with steamed rice and alur choka.
Notes
- You can also use Masoor Dal (red split lentils) and temper with kala jeera.
- You can use mustard oil and season with paanch phoran.
🥭 A little mango magic, a lot of Bengali love! 💛 Loved this tangy Aamer Dal? Don’t let this delicious Bengali summer favourite stop at your kitchen! Share your experience in the comments, pass this recipe along to fellow food lovers, and follow for more homemade recipes that bring happiness to every plate. 🍚🌿
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