Introduction

 

I vividly remember the first time I tried Dal Bhat Chokha—it was at a family gathering in Bihar, where this dish is a household staple. The simplicity of dal (lentils) paired with steamed rice and the smoky, earthy flavor of chokha made it an unforgettable meal. There’s something about the combination of these elements that feels like a warm hug on a plate, instantly transporting me back to that day with my family.

I’ve since made Dal Bhat Chokha countless times, refining the recipe each time to make it my own. The real magic lies in the chokha, a blend of roasted vegetables, spices, and mustard oil that packs a punch. The versatility of the dish also makes it ideal for lunch or dinner, especially when you're craving something comforting and wholesome.

 

Ingredients of Dal Bhat Chokha

 

For Dal:

• 1 cup tur dal (washed & soaked)

• 2 cups water
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp turmeric
• 2 tsp ghee
• 2 dry red chilies
• 1 tsp jeera (cumin seeds)
• ½ tsp hing (asafoetida)
• 1 tbsp garlic (chopped)
• ½ tsp red chili powder

For Chokha:

• 4 potatoes (peeled)
• 2 tomatoes
• 2 green chilies
• 7-8 garlic cloves (with skin)
• 1 tbsp coriander (chopped)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ cup mustard oil
• ½ tbsp lemon juice

For Bhat (Rice):

• 1½ cup rice (washed)
• 1¾ cups water
• 1 tsp ghee

Instructions of Dal Bhat Chokha

 

Step 1: Prepare the Dal
In a pressure cooker, add the soaked tur dal, water, salt, and turmeric. Close the lid and cook for 3-4 whistles until the dal becomes soft. Set aside.

• In a separate pan, heat ghee and add dry red chilies, jeera, hing, and chopped garlic. Let the garlic turn golden brown, then add red chili powder.
• Pour this tempering over the cooked dal and stir well.
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Step 2: Cook the Rice
In a heavy-bottomed pan, add the washed rice and water. Bring it to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the rice is done. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and drizzle ghee over it.

 

 

Step 3: Roast the Vegetables for Chokha
Roast the potatoes, tomatoes, green chilies, and garlic (with skin on) over an open flame or grill until charred. Peel the garlic and potatoes after roasting.

 

 

Step 4: Mash and Mix the Chokha
In a large bowl, mash the roasted potatoes, tomatoes, green chilies, and peeled garlic together. Add chopped onions, coriander, salt, mustard oil, and lemon juice. Mix everything until well combined to form a coarse mash.

 

 

Step 5: Serve
Serve the dal, bhat (rice), and chokha together on a plate. Garnish the chokha with a little extra coriander if desired, and enjoy this traditional Bihari meal.

 

About the Recipe

 

Dal Bhat Chokha is a traditional dish from Bihar and Jharkhand, known for its simplicity and robust flavors. The star of the dish is the chokha, which is usually made with roasted eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes mashed together with spices. The dal provides a mild, creamy counterbalance to the bold flavors of the chokha, while the rice helps tie everything together into a comforting meal.

This is a wholesome meal that can be made with basic pantry staples and fresh vegetables. The beauty of Dal Bhat Chokha is in its balance—each element complements the other perfectly. The dish is not only healthy but also easy to digest, making it ideal for people of all ages. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a quick weeknight meal, it’s sure to become a regular in your rotation.

 

Cooking Tips

 

• When roasting vegetables for the chokha, make sure to char them well to get that deep smoky flavor. Roasting the vegetables on an open flame will give the best results.

• Use mustard oil in the chokha for that authentic Bihari taste. If you don’t have mustard oil, you can use ghee, but the flavor will be slightly different.

• Soak the lentils for 15-20 minutes before cooking to ensure they become soft and cook evenly.
• To enhance the flavor of the dal, temper it with a tadka of cumin seeds, garlic, and dried red chilies. This step adds an extra layer of richness to the dal.
• Serve the dal slightly thick rather than runny, so it holds well with the rice and chokha.

 

Pairing Guide

 

Dal Bhat Chokha pairs beautifully with a refreshing cucumber raita or a bowl of chilled yogurt to balance out the smoky, spicy flavors of the chokha. For a drink, you can serve it with a traditional Indian beverage like chaas (buttermilk) or a simple lemonade to cut through the richness of the meal.

If you want to take the meal up a notch, serve it with crispy papad or a side of tangy pickles. A simple green salad with onions, tomatoes, and a drizzle of lemon juice also complements the dish perfectly.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. What is Dal Bhat Chokha?
   Dal Bhat Chokha is a traditional Bihari meal consisting of lentils (dal), steamed rice (bhat), and a mashed roasted vegetable mixture (chokha).

2. Is Dal Bhat Chokha healthy?
   Yes, Dal Bhat Chokha is a wholesome meal rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a healthy choice for all ages.

3. Can I make Dal Bhat Chokha ahead of time?
   You can prepare the dal and rice ahead of time, but it's best to make the chokha fresh for the best flavor.

4. What vegetables can I use for chokha?
   The traditional chokha is made with eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes, but you can experiment with other vegetables like bell peppers and onions.

5. How do I store leftovers of Dal Bhat Chokha?
   Store the dal and rice in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Chokha is best eaten fresh but can be stored for up to 24 hours.

6. Can I use other types of lentils for the dal?
   Yes, you can use toor dal, moong dal, or masoor dal based on your preference, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

7. What’s the best way to roast vegetables for chokha?
   Roasting the vegetables on an open flame or a grill gives the best smoky flavor, but you can also use an oven if that's more convenient.

8. What should I serve with Dal Bhat Chokha?
   Dal Bhat Chokha pairs well with raita, pickles, papad, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

9. Can I make Dal Bhat Chokha without mustard oil?
   While mustard oil gives it a distinct flavor, you can substitute it with ghee or vegetable oil. The taste will differ but still be delicious.

10. Is Dal Bhat Chokha gluten-free?
    Yes, Dal Bhat Chokha is naturally gluten-free, as it contains lentils, rice, and roasted vegetables, making it suitable for those with gluten intolerance.