Dhokar Kadhi (Fried Lentil Cakes in Yoghurt Sauce - Bong Fusion Style)

          Kadhi as is well known is a North Indian delicacy that is very much relished with rice. It is a yoghurt based preparation with or without the dumplings or veggies added to it. Today I decided to add in some Dhoka pieces (fried Lentil cakes) in it and the end result was an yummy fusion of Bengali and North Indian cuisine. 

          I have already posted the original Bengali recipe of Dhokar Dalna (Fried Lentil Cakes in Gravy) in my earlier post. So do try this combination and enjoy a simple homemade lunch of this unusual Kadhi-Chawal. So check out the step by step pictorial recipe to prepare it.  

• 1/2 cup yoghurt
• 3 cups water
• salt to taste
• 1/2 tsp. turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp. red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp. cumin powder
• 1 tbsp. oil
• 1 tsp. panch phoron (equal quantity of fennel. fenugreek, mustard, cumin & nigella seeds)
• 1/4 tsp. asafoetida (hing)
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• 8-10 Dhoka pieces (recipe below)
• coriander leaves to garnish

          In a bowl, whisk together yoghurt, water, salt, turmeric powder, red chili powder and cumin powder. 

          Heat oil in a pan and temper with panch phoron. Sauté for a few seconds and then add the asafoetida and curry leaves.

          Now add the yoghurt mix and bring it to a boil. Simmer and cook on a low flame by stirring at intervals.

          After 10 minutes add the Dhoka pieces and further simmer till the gravy thickens to a desired consistency. Serve, garnished with coriander leaves.





To prepare the Dhokas ----

                              Mix chana dal paste, salt, turmeric powder & red chili powder.
                   

                                  Heat 1 tbsp. oil & temper with kalonji & asafoetida. 

                                 Add chana dal mix & sauté till it leaves the sides of the pan.

                                Transfer to a greased plate & allow it to cool .

                                 Cut into desired shapes.

                                 Heat oil & shallow fry to light golden colour.

                                 Drain & keep aside.





Now to prepare the Kadhi ------

                           Heat oil & temper with panch phoron, asafoetida & curry leaves.

                    Pour the kadhi mix & bring to a boil. Simmer on low flame for 10 min.
                    by stirring at intervals.

                            Add fried Dhokas & simmer till you get a required consistency.

                                 Serve, garnished with coriander leaves.