Cuisine : Kul-er Tok Dal (Sour Lentil Soup with Jujube) – A Traditional Bengal Saraswati Puja Delight

 



During Saraswati Puja in West Bengal in India , certain seasonal ingredients hold special significance in Bengali cuisine, and kul (jujube fruit) is one of them. As spring begins, fresh kul becomes widely available, and many traditional dishes incorporate its unique sweet-tangy flavor. Kul-er Tok Dal, a sour lentil soup made with masoor dal (red lentils) and jujube, is a beloved dish that adds variety to festive meals. The slight tartness of the kul enhances the dal’s taste, making it a perfect accompaniment to steamed rice.

Ingredients:

For the dal:

  • 1 cup masoor dal (red lentils)
  • 100 grams kul (jujube fruit)
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • Salt and sugar to taste
  • 2–3 green chilies
  • Water as needed

For tempering:

  • 2 dried red chilies
  • ½ teaspoon black mustard seeds
  • ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
  • ½ teaspoon radhuni (wild celery seeds)
  • 2 tablespoons mustard oil or vegetable oil

Method:

  1. Cook the Dal:

    • Wash the masoor dal thoroughly.
    • Boil it with turmeric powder, salt, and green chilies until fully cooked.
    • Set aside.

  2. Prepare the Jujube:

    • Wash the kul (jujube fruits) properly.
    • Slightly slit or break them to remove any seeds or unwanted parts.

  3. Tempering the Dal:

    • Heat oil in a pan.
    • Add dried red chilies, mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and radhuni. Let them splutter.
    • Add the jujube and sauté for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.

  4. Simmering:

    • Pour the boiled dal into the pan and mix well.
    • Let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    • If needed, gently mash some of the dal to enhance consistency.

  5. Final Touch & Serving:

    • Allow the dal to rest for a few minutes before serving.
    • Serve hot with steamed rice for an authentic Saraswati Puja meal.

This flavorful, mildly tangy dal adds warmth and nostalgia to the festive menu, making it a cherished dish during puja celebrations.



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