Cholar Dal (Chana Dal / Bengal Gram Lentil - Bengali Style)

Soak the dal for 30 minutes. Pressure cook in 1& 1/2 cups water for 5 minutes on a low flame after the first whistle.

Temper the oil with bay leaves, dry red chilies, cardamoms, cinnamon, cloves and cumin seeds.

Add the ginger and saute for a few seconds.

Add the coconut and fry till light brown.

Add the boiled dal, salt, sugar and turmeric powder and simmer.

Serve, garnished with fresh grated coconut and slit green chilies.