Authentic Bengali Chholar Dal with Radish

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting, traditional Bengali lentil curry featuring slow-cooked yellow lentils, fresh radish, and aromatic spices, embodying the heart of Indian home cooking. This indian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 50 minutes pairs rinsed yellow lentils (chana dal), medium, finely chopped onion, minced ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.8 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium pot, combine 1 cup rinsed yellow lentils, 1 cup diced radish, 1 medium finely chopped onion, 1 tbsp minced ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 3 cups water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the radish has softened but still holds its shape.
  3. Step 3: While the dal simmers, heat 2 tbsp coconut oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tsp cumin seeds and cook for 1 minute until they begin to sizzle and pop.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/2 tsp turmeric powder and 1 tsp coriander powder to the hot oil, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Once the lentils are tender, remove the pot from heat and stir in the cumin-spice mixture. Add 1/2 tsp garam masala and mix well.
  6. Step 6: Return to low heat for 2 more minutes to allow flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then remove from heat.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving with steamed rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Bengali Chholar Dal with Radish take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Bengali Chholar Dal with Radish?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium, finely chopped onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Bengali Chholar Dal with Radish?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Bengali Chholar Dal with Radish for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Authentic Bengali Chholar Dal with Radish?

Indian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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