Dhokar Dalna

This dish plays an important part in the Bengali niramish (vegetarian) repertoire. Dhokar literally means “to cheat,” and as the texture of the lightly spiced lentil cakes resembles that of fish, the name is appropriate. If you see the mixture coming off the sides of the pan while you are steaming the lentil paste, it is a sign that it is cooked. If you oversteam it, the lentil cake will lose moisture and become hard.

Serve these with