Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of homemade chhana (cottage cheese)
- 1 cup of cooked dal (lentils)
- 2 tablespoons of ginger paste
- 2 tablespoons of garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon of cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon of garam masala
- 1 teaspoon of red chilli powder
- 2 tablespoons of ghee (clarified butter)
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro (coriander leaves)
Special equipment needed:
- A large pot
- A medium-sized bowl
- A grinder
- A spoon
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the ghee and oil over medium heat.
2. Once the ghee and oil are hot, add the ginger and garlic paste and sauté for a few minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, red chilli powder, and salt to the pot and stir to combine.
4. Add the cooked dal to the pot and stir to combine.
5. In a medium-sized bowl, mash the chhana until it is smooth.
6. Add the mashed chhana to the pot and stir to combine.
7. Add the sugar and cilantro to the pot and stir to combine.
8. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Serve the Chhanar Dalna hot with steamed rice or roti.
Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature: Medium heat
Serving Size: 4
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 250
Fat: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Protein: 10 g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
- You can use store-bought chhana instead of homemade chhana.
- You can use any type of dal instead of lentils.
- You can use butter instead of ghee.
- You can use any type of oil instead of vegetable oil.
- You can use any type of sugar instead of white sugar.
Variations:
- You can add vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and peas to the Chhanar Dalna.
- You can add spices such as turmeric, cardamom, and cinnamon to the Chhanar Dalna.
- You can add nuts such as cashews and almonds to the Chhanar Dalna.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to mash the chhana until it is smooth before adding it to the pot.
- You can adjust the amount of spices according to your taste.
- You can add more ghee or oil if you want the Chhanar Dalna to be more flavorful.
Storage instructions:
The Chhanar Dalna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
The Chhanar Dalna can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Presentation ideas:
The Chhanar Dalna can be served in a bowl with steamed rice or roti.
Garnishes:
The Chhanar Dalna can be garnished with chopped cilantro, chopped nuts, and a dollop of ghee.
Pairings:
The Chhanar Dalna pairs well with steamed rice, roti, naan, or paratha.
Suggested side dishes:
The Chhanar Dalna can be served with a side of raita, chutney, or pickles.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the Chhanar Dalna is too thick, you can add a little more water to thin it out.
- If the Chhanar Dalna is too spicy, you can add a little more sugar to balance out the flavors.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to store the Chhanar Dalna in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Food history:
Chhanar Dalna is a traditional Bengali dish that is usually served as part of a festive meal.
Flavor profiles:
The Chhanar Dalna has a savory and spicy flavor with a hint of sweetness.
Serving suggestions:
The Chhanar Dalna can be served as a main course or as a side dish.
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Region: Indian