Banana Flower Lentil(মোচার ডাল)

 Here's the recipe for Mocha Dal (Banana Flower Lentil)

Ingredients:

Mocha (Banana Flower) – 1 medium, cleaned and chopped finely

Split Moong Dal (Yellow lentils) – 1 cup

Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp

Cumin Seeds – ½ tsp

Bay Leaves – 2

Green Chilies – 2-3, slit

Ginger Paste – 1 tbsp

Cumin Powder – 1 tsp

Red Chili Powder – ½ tsp (optional)

Salt – to taste

Sugar – 1 tsp

Ghee – 1 tbsp

Mustard Oil or Vegetable Oil – 2 tbsp

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Banana Flower:

Remove the hard bracts and collect the florets.

Discard the hard stigma and small scale from each floret.

Chop the florets finely and soak them in water with a little turmeric and salt to avoid discoloration. Set aside.

2. Cook the Moong Dal:

Dry roast the moong dal in a pan until a light golden aroma comes out. Be careful not to burn.

Wash the roasted dal and boil with 2-3 cups of water, turmeric powder, and salt until soft but not mushy. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Banana Flower:

Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan. Add the cumin seeds and bay leaves.

Add the chopped banana flower and sauté for 5-7 minutes.

Mix in the ginger paste, cumin powder, and a bit of red chili powder. Stir well.

Add salt and a little sugar. Cook for another 10 minutes until the banana flower is tender and all the water is absorbed.

4. Combine the Dal and Mocha:

Mix the cooked mocha into the boiled dal.

Add more water if needed for your preferred consistency.

Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes for the flavors to blend.

5. Tempering and Final Touch:

Heat ghee in a small pan and add the slit green chilies.

Pour this tempering over the dal.

Mix well and adjust salt and sugar if needed.

6. Serving:

Serve hot with steamed rice or roti.

Enjoy the authentic taste of Mocha Dal!