Dalma (Odia: ଡାଲମା) is a popular lentil-based dish from Odisha, India. It is made with a combination of lentils, vegetables, and spices, and is typically served as a side dish with rice, roti, puri, chakuli, kakara, etc. This recipe will guide you through the process of making a delicious and authentic Odia dalma.
Ingredients for Dalma:
- 1 cup of toor dal (split pigeon peas)
- 1 cup of mixed vegetables (such as potatoes, carrots, and bottle gourd)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1iinch ginger, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 tsp of turmeric powder
- 1 tsp of red chili powder
- 1 tsp of cumin powder
- 1 tsp of coriander powder
- 1 tsp of mustard seeds
- 1 tsp of cumin seeds
- 2-3 dried red chilies
- A pinch of asafetida
- Salt to taste
- Oil for cooking
Instructions:
- Rinse the toor dal in water and pressure cook it with 2 cups of water and a pinch of turmeric powder until it becomes soft and mushy.
- Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, dried red chilies, and asafetida. Once the seeds start to crackle, add chopped onions, ginger, and garlic. Fry until golden brown.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft.
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the mixed vegetables and stir well. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are cooked through.
- Add the cooked dal and mix well.
- Add 2 cups of water and bring it to a boil.
- Simmer the dalma for 10-15 minutes or until the desired consistency is reached.
- Serve the dalma with Steamed Rice, Roti, Luchi, Kakara, Chakuli Pitha, or Chuda Santula, and enjoy your meal.
Note: You can adjust the spice level according to your preference and You can use any lentil of your choice like moong dal, masoor dal, etc.
In conclusion, Dalma is a delicious and flavorful dish lentil-based dish from Odisha, India. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to making an authentic and delicious Odia dalma and it is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed by the whole family. Give this recipe a try and you will not be disappointed.