Also known as Kacha Aam Er Daal/ Aamer Tok Dal, this special Bengali Mango Daal has been my fav ever since childhood. And I am not much into daal on a daily basis, unlike most Indians.
Aam Daal - Quintessential Summer Meal
Aam Daal or Kacha Aamer Tok Daal has a mild tangy refreshing taste. And with the minimal spice that goes in, it’s light to the tummy and perfect to beat the heat. Mom always kept it simple, with just a teaspoon of black mustard seeds along with a couple of bay leaves and dry red chilies. With a bowl of steamed rice on the side, it’s a treat that always takes me back home.
Every summer, whether we liked it or not, pan fried bitter gourd was a mandate. It was not my favorite thing to eat, and I used to simply gulp with water. Still not a fan. Sweet and sour chutneys was again a must during the season, prepared with different kind of fruits and vegetables. Summer was all about more veggies and less meat. And as soon as the market got overcrowded with mangoes, Mom would prepare Aam Dal (Lentils with Green Mango). At least twice a week. We loved it and used to slurp down without any fuss!
Ingredients for this Bengali Style Mango Lentil Stew
Green Mango Red Lentils or Yellow split Mung beans are typically used. But you can use your choice of lentil too.
Spices:
Black Mustard seedsDry Red ChiliGreen Chili TurmericCilantro leaves (optional)
As you can see the list is minimal which makes this Aam Daal a very fuss free Summer Lentil Soup. Light on the tummy and very soothing to the palate.
I come from a food enthusiast family and whenever we meet, there is always a lot to eat. Mom being Mom would forever be busy in the kitchen cooking up a marathon and taking extra effort to prepare everyone’s favorite dish. I never saw her getting tired of cooking or entertaining. Some energy she always has! Mom’s dishes are never too fancy or gourmet. She always goes for simple Bengali meals cooked with only seasonal produce. I have never seen her using anything frozen, not even peas.
Her cooking style is casual, no measurement, no recipe, just go with the flow and respect whatever she was taught by her Mom. She however does have a few strict rules that she follows in terms of spice combinations used for a certain dish, herbs added for flavor.
More Bengali Recipes to try
Also, the type of dishes that should be eaten in a specific season.
