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    Recipes » Recipes » Bengali Recipes

    Dhokar Dalna

    Published: Aug 25, 2012 · Modified: Jul 8, 2025 by Debjani · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

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    Dhokar Dalna is a classic Bengali dish that features lentil cakes called dhoka and potato chunks in a curry sauce that is free of onions and garlic. The use of fried lentil cakes gives this dish a distinct flavor. I will be sharing the step-by-step process for making the dhoka bhaja from scratch as well as the process for preparing the curry in this post.

    %Bengali Dhokar Dalna recipe debjanir rannaghar
    Jump to:
    • Debjani's Note
    • Tips
    • Dhokar Dalna!
    • Bengali Dhokar Dalna- Ingrediants and Process
    • Recipe Card
    • Related Recipes
    • Pairing Boot-er Dhonkar Daalna
    • Bengali No Onion No Garlic Recipes
    • Have you tried the Bengali Dhokar Torkari recipe from Debjanir Rannaghar!
    • Here's the Dhokar Daalna Pin for your Pinterest Board!

    Debjani's Note

    Growing up in a Bengali household, I was always surrounded by an array of delicious dishes that tantalized my taste buds. However, there was one dish that never quite made it to my list of favorites - Dhokar Dalna. This popular vegetarian dish is made with lentil cakes and is a staple in Bengali cuisine. Despite not being a big fan of it myself, I often find myself making it for my husband who absolutely loves it.

    %Bengali Dhokar Torkari recipe debjanir rannaghar Recipe Debjanir Rannaghar

    My mother is an expert at making Dhoka-r Dalna, and her recipe is one of the best I have ever tasted. She never uses pre-packaged mixes while preparing the dish, which can be quite time-consuming. However, I have found that using these mixes can be quite helpful, especially when I am short on time.

    Despite not being a personal favorite of mine, I have come to appreciate the nuances and complexities of Dhoka-r Dalna. It is a dish that exemplifies the rich culinary heritage of Bengal and is loved by many across the region. Whether it is served as a main course or as a side dish, Dhokar Dalna is a dish that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who tries it.

    Why is this name- Dhoka?

    The term "Dhoka" in Dhokar Dalna refers to the lentil cake. It is not to the Hindi meaning of cheating.

    Tips

    It's worth noting that this particular dish is typically prepared without the use of onions or garlic, which is somewhat atypical for Bengali cooking. Nevertheless, the absence of these ingredients doesn't detract from the dish's flavor in any way. In fact, it contributes to its distinct taste.

    Dhokar Dalna!

    %Bengali Dhokar Dalna recipe debjanir rannaghar Recipe Debjanir Rannaghar

    Bengali Dhokar Dalna- Ingrediants and Process

    %Dhokar Dalna recipe debjanir rannaghar Recipe Debjanir Rannaghar

    The dish Dhoka is made using a combination of Cholar Daal and Matar Daal. However some individuals may choose to only use Cholar Daal or Bengal Gram. My mother prefers a ratio of 3:1 for both lentils. I also use both depending on the availability of Matar Dal or Yellow Split Pea in my kitchen. Potatoes are a crucial ingredient in almost every Bengali "Dalna,". The size of the potato determines the name of the gravy in Bengali cuisine. When preparing Dalna, it is necessary to use medium-cut potatoes.

    Recipe Card

    %Bengali Dhokar Dalna recipe debjanir rannaghar
    Print Pin

    Dhokar Dalna

    Dhokar Dalna is a classic Bengali curry that is made without using onion or garlic. It features potato chunks and fried lentil cakes, known as dhoka bhaja, which give the dish its distinct flavor. This post includes instructions for making the dhoka bhaja from scratch as well as the steps for making the curry itself.

    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine Bengali
    Keyword Bengali Dhokar torkari, Dhokar Dalna Recipe
    Prep Time 1 hour hour
    Cook Time 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes
    Servings 4 People
    Calories 389kcal
    Author Debjani Chatterjee
    Cost Rs 150

    Ingredients

    To make Dhoka:

    • 150 g Bengal Gram Chana Dal
    • 75 g Yellow split pea Matar dal
    • 1 Tsp. Sugar
    • 1 Tsp. Asafoetida
    • ½ Tsp. Garam Masala Powder
    • ½ Tsp. Cumin Powder
    • ½ Tsp. Carom Seed Jowan/ Ajwain
    • ½ Tsp. Turmeric powder
    • ½ Tsp. Kashmiri Red Chili powder
    • 200 ml Refined Vegetable for Frying
    • 1 Tsp. Salt

    For Making the Dhokar Dalna:

    • 12 Fried Dhoka
    • 2 Potatoes Big Size
    • 2 Tomatoes
    • 1 Tbsp. Ginger Paste
    • ½ Tsp. Asafoetida
    • ½ Tsp. Cumin Seeds
    • 2 Dry Red Chilli
    • 1 Bay leaf
    • 1 Tsp. Cumin Powder
    • 1 Tsp. Bengali Garam Masala Powder
    • 1 Tsp. Sugar
    • ½ Tsp. Turmeric powder
    • 1 Tsp. Kashmiri Red Chili powder
    • 1 Tbsp. Ghee
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions

    Making of Dhoka Bhaja or Fried Lentil Cakes:

    • To prepare Dhoka, start by soaking both pulses for a few hours or overnight.
    • Blend the lentils to a medium-smooth texture.
    • Dry roast carom seed and grind it into powder.
    • Add salt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, sugar, asafoetida, garam masala powder, cumin powder, and carom seed powder to the paste.
    • Heat oil in a non-stick pan.
    • Cook the paste for 2 to 3 minutes until the moisture evaporates a bit and the mixture turns dry.
    • Pour the mixture into a dish and let it sit for 5 minutes before cutting it into small diamond or square pieces.
    • Fry the Dhoka in hot oil until they turn golden brown and strain from the oil.
    • Fry 2-3 Dhoka in each batch.
    • Keep three tablespoons of oil in the pan to fry potatoes.

    Making of Dhoka-r Dalna:

    • Use the oil kept in the pan to fry potatoes.
    • While frying sprinkle salt and turmeric powder and fry until they turn golden brown.
    • Make a paste with one tablespoon of water, turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, and also cumin powder.
    • Set it aside.
    • In another pan, heat two tablespoons of oil and mix it with cumin seeds, bay leaf, dried red chilies, and asafoetida as well.
    • Add chopped tomatoes and ginger paste and cook for a few minutes.
    • Then, add the previously prepared masala paste.
    • Cook until the oil separates from the mixture.
    • Add a little water if necessary and add salt and sugar.
    • Now add the fried potatoes and two cups of hot water, and cover the pan.
    • Cook until the potatoes soften.
    • Add the fried dhokas and cook for five minutes on low heat.
    • If needed, crumble one dhoka bhaja and add it to the gravy to thicken it.
    • Finally, add ghee and garam masala powder and cook for one or two more minutes before turning off the heat.
    • Let the dish sit for ten minutes before serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 389kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 104mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 6g | Calcium: 121mg | Iron: 4mg

    Related Recipes

    Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

    • %Narkel diye Cholar Dal recipe aka Bengali Cholar Dal recipe debjanir rannaghar
      Narkel diye Cholar Dal aka Bengali Cholar Dal
    • %bengali Titar Dal recipe Debjanir rannaghar
      Titar Dal | Ucche Diye Moong Dal Recipe with Video
    • %Mulo diye Motor Dal Recipe Debjanir Rannaghar
      Mulo Diye Motor Dal (Bengali Yellow Split Pea with Radish)
    • %bengali Veg Daal recipe debjanir rannaghar
      Bengali Veg Daal | Picnic Special Vegetable Daal | Shobji Diye Moong Dal | Yellow Split Pea cooked with Veggies

    Pairing Boot-er Dhonkar Daalna

    These are my favorite dishes to serve with Bengali Dhoka -r Dalna while serving a Vegetarian Bengali meal.

    • %Bengali Luchi Recipe Debjanir Rannaghar how to make perfect luchi
      Bengali Luchi Recipe | How to make perfect Luchi | Bengali Flatbread Luchi
    • %Bengali Chanar Dalna Recipe Debjanir Rannaghar
      Chanar Dalna (Bengali Cottage Cheese and Potato Curry)
    • %Bengali Aloo Phulkopir Dalna Recipe Debjanir Rannaghar
      Aloo Phulkopir Dalna | Phulkopi Aloor Dalna
    • %Bengali Peper Plastic Chutkey Recipe Debjanir Rannaghar
      Plastic Chutney (Raw Papaya Chutney or Bengali Peper Chutney)

    Bengali No Onion No Garlic Recipes

    Here are a few more recipes from Bengali cuisine cooked without onion and garlic apart from the recipes I have shared above.

    • Kumror Chokka (Also known as Bengali Kumro Torkari)
    • Mochar Ghonto Narkel ar Bhaja Bori diye (also known as Bengali Banana Blossom Curry)
    • Shojne Phuler Chorchori
    • Kochu Shak er Ghonto (also known as Taro Leaf Mishmash)
    • Shukto a Bengali delicacy | Bengali Mix-veg Shukto Recipe
    • Sada Aloor Dum (also known as White Dum Aloo Bengali style)
    • Lau Shaker Chorchori (also known as Bengali Vegetarian Mishmash with Bottle Gourd Greens)
    • Palong Shaker Ghonto

    Have you tried the Bengali Dhokar Torkari recipe from Debjanir Rannaghar!

    I would love to see a picture if you are making the prawns following my recipe. You can share here at dolonchttrj@gmail.com. You can use my hashtag #debjanirrannaghar and share it through Instagram as well. In addition, you can tag me at @foodofdebjani. On Thread, I am available as foodofdebjani!

    Here's the Dhokar Daalna Pin for your Pinterest Board!

    %Bengali Dhokar Dalna recipe debjanir rannaghar Photo Food Pinterest Pin
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    About Debjani Chatterjee Alam

    I am Debjani Chatterjee Alam. A CSR specialist by profession and a food writer, food blogger, and food photographer as well. I live in Kolkata along with my Husband Mehebub who is an architect by profession, my daughter Pasta, and also my dog daughters Coffee and Luchi.

    Learn more about me →

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    About Debjani

    I'm a Corporate Social Responsibility Specialist with a keen interest in ESG, but my passion lies in food: writing about it, creating recipes, and capturing its beauty through photography! Debjanir Rannaghat began in 2009 as a space for me to share my food adventures, my experiences as a mom, and the dishes I adore cooking and eating, both at home and when exploring new places. My aim is to create recipes that are easy to understand and follow, so anyone, whether they love to cook or simply need to, can succeed. I apply the same straightforward approach to my reviews and stories. I also have a passion for food photography and strive to showcase delicious meals in a beautiful, practical, and accessible manner. Feel free to contact me at dolonchttrj@gmail.com.

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    1. Aloo Phulkopir Dalna « Debjanir Rannaghar says

      December 16, 2012 at 9:39 am

      [...] Some of the popular “DALNAS’s are: “ALOO PHULKOPIR DALNA”, “CHANARDALNA”, “DHOKAR DALNA” etc. I have already given the recipe of  ”DHOKAR DALNA” here. Now it’s turn of “ALOO [...]

      Reply
    2. Brototi says

      January 31, 2022 at 11:11 am

      Super tasty!

      Reply

    Meet Debjani

    About Debjani Chatterjee Alam

    I am Debjani Chatterjee Alam. A CSR specialist by profession and a food writer, food blogger, and food photographer as well. I live in Kolkata along with my Husband Mehebub who is an architect by profession, my daughter Pasta, and also my dog daughters Coffee and Luchi.

    Learn more about me →

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