Dalma (Tuvar Dal / Pigeon Pea Lentil With Veggies - Odisha Style)

          
          This is a traditional and a delicious lentil preparation from the region of Odisha. It is unique in the sense that it is cooked with all the vegetables thus making it very healthy and nutritious. It is very popular in every Odia household and is a must on an Odia platter. It can be relished either with rice or chapatis. So check out an easy step by step pictorial recipe to prepare this simple delicacy.
          

• 1/2 cup Tuvar dal (split pigeon pea lentil), soaked for 30 minutes
• 3-4 cups chopped mixed veggies (bottle gourd, beans, pumpkin, raw papaya, eggplant, raw banana, broad beans, cauliflower, potato, radish)
• 2 tbsp. mustard oil
• 1 tsp. panch phoron
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 dry red chilies
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tsp. ginger, chopped
• salt to taste
• 1 tsp. cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp. turmeric powder
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. garam masala powder
• 1 tbsp. ghee 
• 1 tbsp. fresh grated coconut 
• 1 tsp. coriander leaves, chopped

          Pressure cook the dal along with all the chopped veggies and 2 cups water for 2 whistles. Keep aside.

          Heat oil in a pan and temper with bay leaves, dry red chilies and panch phoron. After it stops spluttering, add the onion, ginger and turmeric powder. Sauté till light brown. 

          Add the boiled dal, cumin powder, salt, garam masala powder and red chili powder. Cover and simmer for 2-3 minutes. 

          When done, add ghee and mix well. Garnish with fresh grated coconut and coriander leaves. Serve with hot steamed rice.






Note - 
1.  If preferred, you can add the soft veggies after the lentil is boiled. Then pressure cook for another whistle till done. 

                        Cut all the veggies & keep aside. 

                      Pressure cook dal along with all the chopped veggie & 2 cups water 
                      for 2 whistles. Keep aside.

                       Heat oil & temper with bay leaves, dry red chilies & panch phoron. 

                      After it stops spluttering, add onion, ginger & turmeric powder. Sauté
                      till light brown. 

                       Add the boiled dal, salt, 

                      cumin powder, garam masala powder & red chili powder. Cover &
                      simmer for 2-3 minutes. 

                         When done, add ghee & mix well.

                        Garnish with fresh grated coconut & coriander leaves. Serve with hot 
                        steamed rice.