Bhaja Muga Dali

"Bhaja Muga Dali" is a traditional Bengali dish made with roasted moong dal (yellow lentils). Ingredients:

• 1 cup moong dal (yellow lentils)
• 2 tablespoons oil (mustard oil preferred)
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 dried red chili
• 2-3 green chilies, chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Wash and Soak Dal:

   • Wash the moong dal thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear.
   • Soak the washed moong dal in water for about 30 minutes. Drain the water completely.

2. Roast Dal:

   • Heat a heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai over medium heat. Add the soaked moong dal to the dry pan.
   • Dry roast the moong dal, stirring constantly, until it turns golden brown and fragrant. This may take about 8-10 minutes.
   • Be careful not to burn the dal. Keep stirring to ensure even roasting.

3. Prepare Tadka:

   • In a separate small pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and dried red chili.
   • Let the mustard seeds splutter and the red chili become fragrant.
   • Add the chopped green chilies and minced garlic to the pan. Saute for a minute until the garlic turns golden brown.

4. Combine Dal and Tadka:

   • Once the moong dal is roasted to golden brown, add the prepared tadka to the dal.
   • Add turmeric powder and salt to taste. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

5. Cook Dal:

   • Pour 2 cups of water into the dal mixture and stir well.
   • Cover the pan and let the dal cook over low heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the dal is soft and cooked through. Stir occasionally.

6. Garnish and Serve:

   • Once the dal is cooked to your desired consistency, remove it from heat.
   • Garnish Bhaja Muga Dali with fresh coriander leaves, if desired.
   • Serve hot with steamed rice or as a side dish to your main meal.

Bhaja Muga Dali is a simple and comforting Bengali dish that is easy to make yet full of flavor. Adjust the spice levels according to your taste preferences. Enjoy this delicious dal as a part of your everyday meals.