Choliya/Green Bengal Lentils are the greener counterparts of Kala Chana. I always spot these in the freezer section at my local Indian Grocery stores. One evening, I picked up a pack of these lentils on a whim. I remember in my childhood days we used to eat these fresh from the farms when we visited our grandparents. In my later years I spotted these in Hyderabad (a south Indian City where I grew up) as well but they never were as appealing to me then!
It is such a refreshing change from eating the dried beans. These green ones are so easy to cook and quick too. Here is how we enjoyed the other day..
Ingredients -
Choliya/Green Bengal Lentils/ Pacchi Senagalu 1 pkt (12 oz ), approx 3 cups
Onion chopped 1/4 cup
Tomato chopped 1/2 cup
Ginger-Garlic Paste 1 tsp
Turmeric 1/4 tsp
Mirchi / Chilli Powder 1/4 tsp (Or as per taste)
Dhania Jeera Powder(Coriander-Cumin) 1 tsp
Garam Masala 1/4 tsp
Salt as per taste
Seasoning (Oil 2 tsp, Jeera 1/2 tsp, Cloves 3-4, Cinnamon 1/2 inch piece, Hing/Asafoetida 1/8 tsp)
Method Of Preparation -
In a heated sauce pan, saute the chopped onions in a few drops of oil until golden brown and saute the tomatoes as well. Grind them to a paste upon cooling.
Meanwhile microwave the lentils/choliya/pacchi senagalu for about 4 min with about 1/2 cup of water in a covered microwave safe bowl. (This is totally optional..I did this to make this faster)
In the same sauce pan, add oil and the rest of the seasoning. After jeera/cumin turns brown, add the ginger-garlic paste and the onion-tomato paste.
Mix in the remaining powders except Garam Masala (Turmeric, Dhania Jeera Powder, Salt, Mirchi Powder).
Cook for about 2 min until the flavors are all mixed well. Add the boiled choliya/lentils and mix well. (Even if they are not boiled, it is fine as they will get cooked now).
Add water if required to adjust the consistency. (I added about a cup of water). Cover for about 5 min and sprinkle some garam masala in the end. Cook for an additional 2 min and the curry is ready to serve.
Garnish with chopped coriander leaves (I didn't do it as I was in a hurry) and we enjoyed with hot steaming rice.
Sending this nutritious curry to 'Anyone can cook' happening at 'Taste of Pearl City' also to 'MLLA -#31' hosted by Briciole and initiated by Susan.
Preparation Time - 20 min
Serves 3 Adults
Curry looks so yummy and healthy. Loved it.
Deepa
Hamaree Rasoi
Looks yummm...they r in season..best to make now..
Curry looks wonderful and delicious..
Looks very delicious. Thank you for linking with Any One Can Cook : )
What a wonderful colour and healthy curry..
Even I have got them and I love them in any preparation.Looks really good.
FOODELICIOUS
Great dish .. i would love it with some poori !
Great dish.
looks delicious
I love the color of this dish. I agree with you that fresh beans are a nice change from dried one. Thank you so much for contributing to MLLA!