Dalma
Odia Lentil and Vegetable Curry
Dalma is a wholesome and nutritious one-pot dish from Odisha, combining lentils (dal) with a variety of seasonal vegetables. It's a staple in Odia cuisine, often considered a comfort food and a part of traditional meals, including the sacred Mahaprasad of Puri. Dalma is typically tempered with aromatic spices like panch phoron and ghee, giving it a unique flavor profile.
🧂 Ingredients
- 0.75 cup Toor dal (Pigeon pea lentils)
- 0.25 cup Chana dal (Split chickpea)
- 3 cups Mixed vegetables (e.g., pumpkin, raw banana, potato, carrot, brinjal, beans), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- to taste Salt
- 2 tbsp Grated coconut
- 3 Green chilies, slit
- 1 Bay leaf
- 4 cups Water
- 2 tbsp Ghee
- 1 tsp Panch phoron (whole spice mix)
- 2 Dried red chilies
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Wash the dals thoroughly and soak them for about 15 minutes. Drain and rinse.
💡 Tip: Soaking the dals helps them cook faster and more evenly. - 2
In a pressure cooker, combine the soaked dals, mixed vegetables, bay leaf, turmeric powder, grated coconut, slit green chilies, and salt. Add 4 cups of water.
💡 Tip: Ensure vegetables are cut into uniform sizes for even cooking. - 3
Close the lid and cook for 1 whistle on medium heat, then simmer for 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally.
💡 Tip: Cooking time may vary depending on the pressure cooker and type of dals used. - 4
Once the pressure is released, open the cooker. If the consistency is too thick, add a little hot water and mix well.
💡 Tip: Dalma should have a thick but pourable consistency. - 5
For the tempering: Heat ghee in a small pan. Add panch phoron and dried red chilies. Let them splutter.
💡 Tip: Be careful not to burn the spices. - 6
Pour the tempering over the cooked dal and vegetable mixture. Mix gently.
💡 Tip: The tempering adds a crucial layer of aroma and flavor to the Dalma. - 7
Serve hot with steamed rice, roti, or puri.
💡 Tip: A dollop of ghee on top enhances the flavor.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓You can use a variety of vegetables based on seasonal availability.
- ✓Some recipes include a small piece of jaggery to balance the flavors.
- ✓For a vegan version, use mustard oil instead of ghee for tempering.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of roasted cumin powder to the tempering for extra flavor.
- Some variations include adding a small amount of tamarind pulp for a slight tanginess.