Dalma

Dalma

Dalma is a traditional and delicious vegetarian dish from the Indian state of Odisha. It's made using lentils and various vegetables, and it's flavored with spices and coconut. Here's a basic recipe for Dalma:

Ingredients:

For Pressure Cooking:

• 1/2 cup tuvar dal (pigeon peas)
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder

For Dalma:

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (pumpkin, raw banana, yam, eggplant, etc.)
• 1/2 cup arhar dal (split pigeon pea lentils)
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp oil

For Seasoning:

• 2 tbsp ghee or oil
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 dried red chili
• 10-12 curry leaves
• 2-3 green chilies, slit
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 cup freshly grated coconut
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Start by pressure cooking the tuvar dal. Rinse it thoroughly and add it to a pressure cooker along with 2 cups of water and 1/2 tsp turmeric powder. Cook for 2-3 whistles or until the dal is soft and mushy. Mash it well and set it aside.

2. In a separate pot, combine the arhar dal (split pigeon pea lentils) with 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, salt to taste, and enough water to cover the dal. Cook until the dal is soft and cooked through. Set aside.

3. In a large pan, heat 1 tbsp of oil. Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for a few minutes. Then, add the cooked arhar dal and mix well.

4. In a separate pan, heat 2 tbsp of ghee or oil for seasoning. Add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, dried red chili, and curry leaves. Let them splutter.

5. Add grated ginger and green chilies to the seasoning. Sauté for a minute.

6. Add the grated coconut to the pan and sauté until it turns golden brown.

7. Add cumin powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Cook for a couple of minutes.

8. Pour this seasoning mixture into the pot with the cooked vegetables and arhar dal. Mix well.

9. Add 1/4 cup of water to the mixture to reach your desired consistency. Let it simmer for a few minutes.

10. Finally, add the mashed tuvar dal to the pot and mix everything together. Adjust salt and spices according to your taste.

11. Allow the Dalma to simmer for a few more minutes, and then it's ready to serve.

Serve Dalma with steamed rice for a delicious and wholesome meal. Enjoy the flavors of Odisha!