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A flavorful Bengali lunch featuring soft boiled urad dal (bole) simmered in a spicy garlic‑coriander chutney gravy, paired with a sweet jaggery‑infused rice kheer (rasia). Perfect for a comforting, protein‑rich meal.
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Everything you need to know about this recipe
Bole, also known as "Bora" or boiled urad dal, is a traditional Bengali comfort food often served during festivals and family meals. The spicy chutney gravy reflects Bengal's love for bold, tangy flavors, making it a staple in everyday lunch and special occasions.
In West Bengal, the gravy may include mustard oil and poppy seeds, while in Bangladesh a touch of mustard paste is common. Some families add a splash of coconut milk for a richer texture, but the core ingredients—urad dal, garlic‑coriander chutney, and yogurt—remain the same.
Rasia is usually served warm in shallow bowls, garnished with fried cashews, raisins, and a pinch of cardamom. It is enjoyed as a dessert after a hearty meal or as a sweet snack during festivals like Durga Puja and Pohela Boishakh.
Bole with Chutney Gravy is popular during monsoon lunches, weekend family gatherings, and festive occasions such as Durga Puja, where it is served alongside rice and other vegetarian dishes.
Authentic ingredients include whole urad dal, fresh garlic, green chilies, coriander, yogurt, and Bengali mixed veg masala. Substitutes can be split urad dal for the whole beans, Greek yogurt for regular yogurt, and garam masala if the specific veg masala is unavailable.
Common errors include over‑cooking the dal so it turns mushy, adding yogurt on high heat which causes curdling, and not frying the chutney long enough for the raw flavors to disappear. Follow the low‑heat steps and watch for oil separating as a visual cue.
Yogurt provides the traditional tangy flavor and light texture typical of Bengali gravies, while keeping the dish lower in fat. Cream would mask the bright spices and change the authentic taste profile.
Yes, you can prepare the boiled dal and chutney gravy a day ahead. Store each component in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator and reheat gently, adding a splash of water if the gravy thickens too much.
The chutney should turn from bright red‑orange to a deeper, slightly brownish hue, and you should see a thin layer of oil separating on the surface. This indicates the raw garlic and tomato flavors have cooked out and the gravy is ready.
The kheer is done when the rice grains are soft, the mixture has thickened to a creamy, spoon‑coating consistency, and the jaggery has fully dissolved, leaving a glossy finish.
The YouTube channel Bristi Home Kitchen specializes in easy‑to‑follow Bengali home‑cooking recipes, focusing on everyday meals, traditional sweets, and practical cooking tips for busy households.
Bristi Home Kitchen emphasizes authentic Bengali flavors while simplifying techniques for home cooks, often using minimal equipment and offering clear step‑by‑step narration in Hindi and Bengali, unlike many channels that focus on pan‑Indian or restaurant‑style dishes.
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