Tangy Tok Dal Recipe: Authentic Bengali-Style Raw Mango Dal

Experience the delightful tang and rich flavors of traditional Bengali cuisine with this Tangy Tok Dal recipe. Made with raw mangoes, this dal is a perfect balance of sour and savory, bringing a refreshing twist to your meal. It’s an easy and nutritious dish that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice. Let’s dive into the details of this authentic Bengali delight!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup yellow split pigeon peas (toor dal)

• 1 raw mango, peeled and chopped

• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

• 2 tablespoons mustard oil or vegetable oil

• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds

• 2 dry red chilies

• 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds

• 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds

• 1/2 teaspoon nigella seeds (kalonji)

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

• 2 green chilies, slit

• Salt to taste

• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the Dal:

   • Rinse the yellow split pigeon peas thoroughly. In a large pot, combine the dal, turmeric powder, and 3 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the dal is tender and cooked, about 20-25 minutes.

   • Add the chopped raw mango pieces to the pot and continue to cook until the mangoes are soft and the dal is fully cooked. Add more water if necessary to achieve the desired consistency.

2. Prepare the Tempering (Tadka):

   • In a small pan, heat the mustard oil until it begins to smoke slightly. Reduce the heat to medium and add the mustard seeds, dry red chilies, fenugreek seeds, fennel seeds, nigella seeds, and cumin seeds.

   • Sauté the spices until they become fragrant and start to crackle. Be careful not to burn them.

   • Add the slit green chilies to the pan and sauté for an additional minute.

3. Combine and Season:

   • Pour the prepared tempering into the cooked dal and raw mango mixture. Stir well to combine all the flavors.

   • Season with salt to taste and simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

4. Serve:

   • Garnish the Tangy Tok Dal with freshly chopped cilantro.

   • Serve hot with steamed rice for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Tips for Perfect Tangy Tok Dal:

• Mango Ripeness: Use raw, green mangoes for the best tangy flavor. If you prefer a milder tang, you can reduce the amount of mango or use semi-ripe mangoes.

• Adjusting Consistency: Add more water if you prefer a thinner dal or let it simmer longer for a thicker consistency.

• Flavor Enhancements: For a spicier dal, add more green chilies or a pinch of red chili powder.

This Tangy Tok Dal is a wonderful representation of Bengali cuisine, bringing together the unique tanginess of raw mangoes and the comforting flavors of dal. It’s a nutritious and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Enjoy making and savoring this authentic Bengali Tok Dal, and let its vibrant flavors transport you to the heart of Bengal!

I hope you enjoy preparing and savoring this delicious dal. If you need more recipes or any other assistance, just let me know! 😊🥭🍲