Bengali Bhaja Muger Dal With Yellow Lentils | Sona Moong Dal

Bengali Bhaja Muger Dal with Yellow Lentils is a classic dish that embodies the essence of Bengali cuisine. This traditional Sona Moong Dal recipe is not just a meal; it’s a journey through the rich culinary heritage of Bengal.

Bengali Bhaja Muger Dal is roasted yellow lentils seasoned with spices. A traditional Bengali dal recipe, roasted sona moong dal goes well with steamed rice.

What is Bengali Bhaja Muger Dal?

Bengali Bhaja Muger Dal, also known as Sona Moong Dal, is a popular lentil dish from West Bengal. “Bhaja” means roasted, and “Muger Dal” refers to yellow lentils or moong dal. This dish is characterized by its nutty flavor, achieved by roasting the lentils before cooking, and its creamy texture that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Health Benefits of Yellow Lentils

Yellow lentils, the star ingredient of this Bengali dal recipe, offer numerous health benefits:

• High in protein and fiber
• Rich in essential minerals like iron and potassium
• Low in fat and calories
• Good source of folate and vitamin B1
• Helps in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels

Bengali Bhaja Muger Dal Step By Step:

Bhaja (roasted) moong dal is a classic Bengali dish where split moong dal is dry roasted, pressure-cooked and then tempered with spices. The primary flavours of this aromatic yellow Moong Dal Bengali recipe come from roasted moong, desi ghee and spices. It’s a great basic dal recipe that can be enhanced with adding vegetables of your choice like cauliflower, peas, beans and carrots.

Sona Moong Dhal cooked in ghee is deliciously aromatic and tastes heavenly when mixed with steaming white rice with jhuri aloo bhaja/papad as a side.

How to make Bengali Bhaja Muger Dal with roasted yellow moong dal:

• To make Sona Moong Dhal, firstly dry roast yellow split moong dal on low heat till it turns golden brown. Then cool and wash the dal well.

• Next pressure cook the dal with a pinch of turmeric and enough water till it turns soft. Then remove and keep aside.

• Heat ghee in a pan and season with bay leaf, cumin seeds, green chilli and grated ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes.

• Then pour in the boiled dal and mix well.
• Sprinkle roasted cumin powder, salt and sugar and simmer for 4-5 minutes till the dal is well blended.
• If the dal is too thick, add a little water

• Remove and serve Bhaja Muger dal with hot rice and Aloo Bhaja or Begun Bhaja.

If you are looking for more dal recipes for lunch, then do try out Lemony Dal

Bhaja Muger Dal Serving Suggestions

Bengali Bhaja Muger Dal is traditionally served with steamed rice, making it a complete and satisfying meal. You can also pair it with:

• Bengali-style fried fish
• Roasted papad
• A side of fresh green salad
• Warm chapatis or naan bread

Variations of Bengali Dal Recipes

While Bengali Roasted Moong Dal is a classic, there are several other delicious Bengali dal recipes worth trying:

• Masoor Dal: Made with red lentils, this dal has a slightly sweet flavor and cooks quickly.
• Cholar Dal: A festive dal made with split chickpeas, often served during special occasions.
• Panchmishali Dal: A nutritious mix of five different lentils, packed with flavors and textures.

Moong Dal Bengali Recipe details below: