Cholar Dal Narkel Diye recipe—also known as niramish cholar dal—features fragrant spices, golden fried coconut and sweet-savory notes. Bengali Chana Dal is a classic sweet dal Bengali preparation that goes well with luchis or kachoris.
Cholar Dal isn’t just a dish—it’s an emotion for every Bengali household. This Niramish Chana Dal With Coconut (no onion, no garlic) holds a special place in festive meals, especially during Durga Puja, weddings, and Sunday feasts. Made with Bengal gram (chana dal) simmered in aromatic spices, ghee, and chunks of fried coconut, it strikes a beautiful balance between sweetness and spice—a signature of Bengali vegetarian cuisine.
If you’ve ever paired fluffy luchi or basanti pulao with a bowl of golden, fragrant Cholar Dal, you’ve already tasted bliss! ✨
🍛 What is Cholar Dal?
Cholar Dal is a traditional Bengali lentil curry made using split Bengal gram (Chana dal ), cooked until soft but not mushy, and tempered with ginger, cumin, bay leaf, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and fried coconut pieces. It’s niramish, meaning vegetarian without onion or garlic, often enriched with a hint of sugar and ghee for a luxurious festive touch.
💚 Health Benefits of Bengal Gram (Chana Dal)
- 🌾 Rich in Protein: Supports muscle health and repair.
- 💪 High in Fiber: Aids digestion and promotes gut health.
- 💖 Heart-Friendly: Helps reduce bad cholesterol (LDL).
- ⚡ Energy Booster: Packed with complex carbs for sustained energy.
- 🩸 Regulates Blood Sugar: Low glycemic index keeps sugar levels stable.
Cholar Dal Recipe Step By Step:
Welcome to a flavour-packed journey into classic Bengali cuisine! If you’ve been searching for the perfect Cholar Dal recipe, you’re in for a treat.
Cholar Dal is not just a dish—it’s a celebration of Bengali flavours. This Bengali chana dal recipe with coconut and spices brings together sweet and savory in perfect harmony, ideal for festive meals or a comforting Sunday brunch. Whether you’re pairing it with luchi or rice, this Bengali style chana dal with coconut will surely win hearts.
Mishti chana dal with coconut is a delicious twist to a simple dal recipe. Bengali sweet chana dal recipe is a perfect balance of flavour and consistency.
How to make Bengali Cholar Dal:
- To make delicious Chholar dhal with coconut, first soak the dal in sufficient water for at least 15 minutes. Then drain the water and pressure-cook the chana dal for about 6 whistles or till soft.
- Heat oil in a pan and add whole garam masala and dry red chillies. Saute for about 30 seconds. Add coconut slivers and raisins and fry for 1-2 minutes till the coconut pieces turn golden brown and the raisins plump up.
- Next pour in the boiled chana dal. Season with salt, sugar and cumin powder and mix well.
- Simmer the Bengali meethi dal for 2-3 minutes till all the flavours are nicely absorbed, while stirring in-between. Once the dal thickens and you get the desired consistency, top with a teaspoon of desi ghee.
- Serve Cholar daal narkel diye (chana dal with coconut) with Luchis, Kachoris, Rotis or Steamed rice.
💛 If you love traditional dishes like Cholar Dal, you’ll find plenty more to explore in our collection of Bengali Recipes celebrating authentic flavors from Bengal, like Jhinge Posto and Chanar Shondesh.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions for Narkel Diye Cholar Dal
Cholar Dal pairs wonderfully with:
- Luchi (Bengali puffed bread) 🫓
- Koraishutir Kochuri (Green pea stuffed bread) 🌿
- Basanti Pulao or Ghee Rice 🍚
- Begun Bhaja (Fried Eggplant) 🍆
- A side of Chutney or Payesh for a complete festive platter 🎉
🍯 Variations of Cholar Dal
- With Raisins & Cashews: For richer festive occasions.
- Without Sugar: For a purely savory version.
- Vegan Version: Replace ghee with coconut oil.
- Spicy Version: Add slit green chilies for heat.
- With Vegetables: Add diced carrots or pumpkin for a twist.
🌸 Tips for Perfect Niramish Dal
- Soak dal before cooking for even softness.
- Don’t overcook—the dal should be soft but not mushy.
- Use pure ghee for authentic flavor.
- A small pinch of sugar enhances the sweetness typical of Bengali dal.
- Add fried coconut at the end for best texture and aroma.
💛 You Might Also Love
✨ Explore more comforting lentil & dal delights from our kitchen!
- 🧆 Masala Vada — Crispy, golden South Indian fritters made with chana dal, onions, and spices. Perfect for tea-time munching! ☕
- 🍃 Beerakaya Senagapappu — A wholesome Andhra-style ridge gourd and Bengal gram curry — light, protein-packed, and full of homely flavor! 🌿
- 🥬 Palak Chana Dal — Nutritious and vibrant dal with spinach and Bengal gram, a perfect blend of taste and health! 💚
📌 Each recipe celebrates the humble chana dal in its own unique way — from crunchy to creamy, spicy to soothing!
Bengali Chana Dal Recipe details below:
Cholar Dal Recipe
Ingredients
- Chana Dal/Bengal gram – ½ cup
- Bay leaf – 1
- Cinnamon – ½ inch stick
- Cardamom – 2
- Cloves – 2
- Red Chilli – 1
- Grated Ginger – ½ tsp
- Raisins/kishmish – 1 tbsp
- Coconut Slivers – 2 tbsp
- Turmeric – ½ tsp
- Salt to taste
- Asafoetida – a pinch
- Cumin powder – ½ tsp
- Sugar – 1 ½ tsp
- Ghee – 1 tsp
- Oil -1/2 tbsp
Instructions
- Clean and wash dal. Soak in water for 30 minutes. Drain and pressure cook with a pinch of turmeric till soft.
- Heat oil in a pan. Add bay leaf, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and red chilli. Sauté for a minute.
- Add coconut slivers. Fry till slightly brown.
- Add raisins and sauté.
- Add grated ginger and hing. Stir.
- Add the cooked dal. Add cumin powder, salt and sugar. Combine well. Simmer for 5 minutes till it becomes slightly thick.
- Serve Cholar Dal with Luchi or Steamed Rice.
Notes
- You can add ½ tsp of cumin seeds.
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