Bengali cholar dal

As a kid, I used to call it Jonmodiner dal (birthday lentil) because Luchi cholar dal was served in one of my birthdays. You can also add kosha mangsho to the team.

1. Soak chola overnight. Rinse well. Pressure cook to soften the lentils.
2. In a wok/kadai add 1 tbsp ghee, add cumin seeds, cardamom, cinnamon, clove , bay leaves and 2 dry red chilies (broken in halves) for tempering. Add coconut flakes. Stir a little.
3. Add the boiled dal, turmeric, salt to taste. Add 1 tsp ginger paste or grated, asafetida, raisins (and dry roasted cashews). Add sugar to taste.
4. Serve warm with luchi or rice and beguni.