Introduction

Bengali cuisine is full of unique and flavorful vegetarian dishes, and Dhoka Dalna is one of the best! This traditional dish features spiced lentil cakes (dhoka) that are fried and cooked in a rich, aromatic gravy. The key to this dish is the Dhoka Mix, a blend of ground lentils and spices that forms the base of the lentil cakes.

In this post, you’ll learn:
✅ How to make homemade Dhoka Mix
✅ How to prepare crispy lentil cakes (Dhoka)
✅ The authentic Dhoka Dalna recipe

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What is Dhoka Mix?

Dhoka Mix is a Bengali-style spiced lentil mixture made primarily from chana dal (Bengal gram), lightly spiced and shaped into cakes. It is a high-protein, vegetarian alternative to paneer or meat in curries.

Many Bengali households prepare Dhoka Mix in advance and store it for quick meals. You can make a dry Dhoka mix (powdered form) or a wet Dhoka mix (batter form) depending on your preference.

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Health Benefits of Dhoka Mix

🥣 Rich in Protein – Made from Bengal gram, which is an excellent vegetarian protein source.
🌱 High in Fiber – Aids digestion and promotes gut health.
💪 Iron-Rich – Helps improve hemoglobin levels.
❤️ Low in Fat & Cholesterol – A heart-friendly dish.

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Homemade Dhoka Mix Recipe

You can prepare Dhoka Mix in two ways:

Option 1: Dhoka Mix (Dry Powdered Form)

This is perfect for storing and making fresh Dhoka anytime.

Ingredients:

✔ 1 cup Chana Dal (Bengal gram)
✔ ½ tsp Asafoetida (Hing)
✔ ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
✔ ½ tsp Cumin Powder
✔ ½ tsp Red Chili Powder
✔ Salt to taste

Method:

1️⃣ Dry roast chana dal on low heat until aromatic. Let it cool.
2️⃣ Grind into a fine powder.
3️⃣ Add turmeric, cumin powder, chili powder, hing, and salt.
4️⃣ Store in an airtight container.
5️⃣ To use: Mix with water to form a batter when needed.

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Option 2: Dhoka Mix (Wet Batter Form)

This is best when you plan to cook Dhoka immediately.

Ingredients:

✔ 1 cup Chana Dal (soaked for 4 hours)
✔ 1 tbsp Ginger Paste
✔ ½ tsp Asafoetida (Hing)
✔ ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
✔ ½ tsp Cumin Powder
✔ 1 tsp Mustard Oil
✔ Salt to taste

Method:

1️⃣ Grind soaked chana dal with minimal water into a thick batter.
2️⃣ Add turmeric, cumin powder, hing, salt, and mustard oil. Mix well.
3️⃣ The batter is ready for making Dhoka cakes.

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How to Make Crispy Dhoka (Lentil Cakes)

Step 1: Cooking the Batter

• Heat 1 tbsp mustard oil in a pan.
• Add the Dhoka batter and cook on low heat until it thickens.

Step 2: Shaping & Cutting

• Grease a plate with oil and spread the cooked batter evenly.
• Let it cool completely, then cut into diamond or square pieces.

Step 3: Frying the Dhoka

• Heat oil and shallow fry or deep fry the Dhoka pieces until golden brown.

Now your crispy Dhoka is ready to be used in curries or eaten as a snack!

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Authentic Dhoka Dalna Recipe

Once you have fried Dhoka, you can make Dhoka Dalna, a rich, flavorful Bengali gravy dish.

Ingredients for the Gravy:

✔ 2 tbsp Mustard Oil
✔ 1 Bay Leaf
✔ ½ tsp Cumin Seeds
✔ 1 Dry Red Chili
✔ 1 tsp Ginger Paste
✔ 1 Tomato (pureed)
✔ ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
✔ 1 tsp Cumin Powder
✔ 1 tsp Red Chili Powder
✔ ½ tsp Garam Masala
✔ 1 tsp Sugar
✔ 1.5 cups Water
✔ Salt to taste
✔ Fried Dhoka pieces

Step-by-Step Method:

👉 Step 1: Prepare the Masala

• Heat mustard oil, add bay leaf, cumin seeds, and red chili.
• Add ginger paste and fry for 1 minute.
• Stir in tomato puree, turmeric, cumin, and red chili powder. Cook until oil separates.

👉 Step 2: Simmer the Gravy

• Add water, sugar, and salt. Let it simmer.

👉 Step 3: Add Fried Dhoka

• Add the fried Dhoka pieces to the gravy.
• Simmer for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.

👉 Step 4: Final Touch

• Sprinkle garam masala and turn off the heat.
• Serve hot with steamed rice or luchi.

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Tips for Perfect Dhoka Dalna

✅ Use mustard oil for authentic Bengali flavor.
✅ Do not overcook Dhoka in the gravy—it should absorb the flavors but stay firm.
✅ You can add potatoes to make the dish heartier.
✅ For a richer taste, add a little ghee before serving.

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Conclusion

Dhoka Dalna is a Bengali classic that is delicious, protein-rich, and easy to make. Whether you store Dhoka Mix for quick meals or prepare fresh Dhoka, this dish is a must-try for lovers of Bengali cuisine!