Name: Red lentil with Bengali five spices recipe by Chitrangada Kundu at BetterButter
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Red lentil: 1 cup; Onion (thinly sliced): 1/2 cup; Garlic (thinly sliced): 1-2 cloves; Panch poron or Bengali five spice mix: 1 tsp; Dry red chili: 2-3; Green chili: 2-3 (optional); Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp; Mustard oil: 2 tbsp; Salt to taste; Fresh coriander chopped: handful

ABOUT Red lentil with Bengali five spices RECIPE

Panch poron is a mix of five seeds, fennel seeds, onion seeds, fenugreek seeds, cumin seeds and celery seeds. These mix of seeds are frequently used in many Bengali dishes. Along with its beautiful aroma this spice mix is very healthy too. If you do not get Bengali five spice in store near you, mix the above mentioned seeds in equal amount in a bottle and give a good shake, you are ready with your "Panch poron". Here is a everyday recipe of red lentil or masoor dal with panch poron.

Ingredients Serving: 4

Red lentil: 1 cup
Onion (thinly sliced): 1/2 cup
Garlic (thinly sliced): 1-2 cloves
Panch poron or Bengali five spice mix: 1 tsp
Dry red chili: 2-3
Green chili: 2-3 (optional)
Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp
Mustard oil: 2 tbsp
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander chopped: handful

Instructions

Wash the red lentil till the water runs clear. To reduce cooking time soak the red lentils for 20-30 min.
In a heavy bottom pan or kadai heat oil. I used mustard oil, olive oil can also be used. When the oil is hot add dry red chilies, garlic, Bengali five spice cook till the seeds start to splutter.
Add the thinly sliced onion and cook till brown, add red lentil, salt, turmeric powder and 2 cups of hot water. Let it boil. As it start to boil, reduce the heat and cook till the lentils are done.
Stir in between, if you find the lentils are getting too dry add more hot water. Do not add too much of water. This dal will have a thick consistency. Add chopped green chilies (if using) and fresh coriander. Serve hot with rice.

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