Thakali Khana Set
A quintessential Thakali meal, this set features a variety of flavorful dishes served with rice, embodying the rich culinary heritage of the Thakali people. It typically includes dal (lentils), bhat (rice), tarkari (vegetable curry), achar (pickle), and sometimes meat or other accompaniments.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Basmati rice
- 1 cup Toor dal (split pigeon peas)
- 4 tbsp Ghee or vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds
- 1 tsp Mustard seeds
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp Ginger-garlic paste
- 2 medium Onions(finely chopped)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(finely chopped)
- 2 to taste Green chilies(slit lengthwise)
- 3 cups Mixed vegetables (e.g., cauliflower, potatoes, green beans)(cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/4 cup Coriander leaves(chopped, for garnish)
- to taste Salt
- 1/2 tsp Red chili powder(or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Garam masala
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 250 g Optional: Chicken or Mutton(cut into pieces)
- as needed Pickled chilies or mixed achar
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the rice thoroughly and cook it according to package directions or your preferred method until fluffy. Keep warm.
💡 Tip: For authentic Nepali rice, use slightly less water than usual for a firmer texture. - 2
Rinse the toor dal and pressure cook it with 3 cups of water and a pinch of turmeric until very soft. Mash lightly.
- 3
In a separate pan, heat ghee or oil. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Let them splutter.
- 4
Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute.
- 5
Add chopped tomatoes and green chilies. Cook until tomatoes soften and oil starts to separate.
- 6
Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. If using meat, add it now and brown it. Cook for 5-7 minutes.
- 7
Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for a few minutes. Add about 1 cup of water, cover, and cook until vegetables are tender.
- 8
Pour the cooked dal into the vegetable curry. Add garam masala and lemon juice. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
- 9
To serve, arrange a portion of rice on a plate. Ladle the dal and vegetable tarkari (and meat, if using) alongside the rice. Serve with pickled chilies or achar.
💡 Tip: The Thakali set is often served on a large metal plate (thali) with small bowls for different components. - 10
Garnish the tarkari with fresh coriander leaves.
💡 Tip: Fresh herbs add a vibrant touch to the dish.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The key to a good Thakali set is the balance of flavors and textures.
- ✓Don't overcook the vegetables; they should retain a slight bite.
- ✓Adjust spices according to your preference.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a side of fried fish or chicken.
- Include a small portion of gundruk (fermented leafy greens) for an authentic touch.
- Serve with a dollop of plain yogurt.