Bengali Dal Bhorta Recipe | Boisakhi Bhorta | Bangladeshi Bhorta | Red Lentils Mash

Instructions

• First, take a metal or clay pot and add soaked masoor dal (red lentils), a bit of water, a pinch of salt, and a little turmeric. Cook this mixture.
• Now, the foam that appears on top of the lentils, slowly remove it. It’s this foam that prevents knee pain, you know.
• Next, cook the lentils over medium flame for 10-15 minutes. All the water should evaporate, and the consistency should slightly thicken.
• Now, take a small amount of oil in a pan, add crushed garlic cloves and dried red chilies. Roast them for about 2 minutes, then remove the chilies.
• Thinly slice a small onion and add it to the pan. Sauté it lightly; it shouldn’t turn too brown. Now, add the chilies and garlic, a pinch of salt, and mash them. If possible, it’s nice to add roasted green chilies to this; it gives a nice flavor.
• Now, add the mashed lentils, half a teaspoon of mustard oil, and if you can, throw in some coriander leaves and mix well.
• Aiyo, Now shape the mixture into balls and then roll them into rounds. Serve it warm, along with hot rice.
• Me: “Dhaniyaaa.”
  Dhaniya: “Yes, brother.”
  Me: “Tell me, is this onion male or female?”
  Dhaniya: “Well, you’ll have to lift its dressing, brother.”
  Me: “What do you mean, does the onion also wear a dressing?”
  Dhaniya: “Yes.”