Odisha Style Dal Tadka Recipe
The Odisha Style Dal Tadka is a delicious and wholesome dish that brings together the flavors of urad dal, moong dal, rajma, and chana dal with a blend of aromatic spices. This traditional Oriya recipe is packed with proteins and boasts a rich, savory taste, making it a perfect dish for lunch. Cooked with mustard oil and tempered with cumin seeds, ginger, garlic, and green chilies, this dal is simmered to perfection, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, and while it requires the dals to be soaked overnight, the actual cooking process is quick and straightforward, especially when using a pressure cooker. Whether you’re new to Oriya cuisine or a seasoned chef, the Odisha Style Dal Tadka will make for a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire.
Cuisine: Oriya Recipes
Course: Lunch
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White Urad Dal (Whole) | 1/2 cup |
| Green Moong Dal (Whole) | 1/2 cup |
| Rajma (Large Kidney Beans) | 1/2 cup |
| Chana Dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 1/2 cup |
| Mustard Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Ginger | 1 inch, finely chopped |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, finely chopped |
| Green Chillies | 2, finely chopped |
| Tomatoes | 2, finely chopped |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Bay Leaf (Tej Patta) | 1, torn |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1-1/2 teaspoons, or to taste |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 6 sprigs, finely chopped |
Preparation Time
| Time | 480 minutes (8 hours) |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | 525 minutes (including soaking) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Protein | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Fiber | 8g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
Instructions
-
Soak the Dals:
Begin by soaking the urad dal, moong dal, rajma, and chana dal together in a large bowl of water for about 8 hours or overnight. Soaking the dals ensures they cook faster and results in a smoother texture for the dal. -
Prepare the Ingredients:
While the dals are soaking, prep the remaining ingredients: chop the onion, ginger, garlic, green chilies, and tomatoes. Set them aside for easy access when you begin cooking. -
Cook the Dal:
Heat the mustard oil in a pressure cooker over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and allow them to crackle. This will release their flavor into the oil, adding a deep aroma to the dish. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the chopped onions, ginger, garlic, and green chilies to the pressure cooker. Sauté the mixture until the onions turn soft and translucent, which will take about 3-4 minutes. -
Add Tomatoes and Spices:
Once the onions are soft, add the finely chopped tomatoes, torn bay leaf, garam masala powder, and turmeric powder. Stir the ingredients together and sauté until the tomatoes break down and become soft and mushy, about 5-7 minutes. -
Add the Soaked Dals:
Stir in the soaked dals and add enough water to the cooker such that the water level is at least 2 inches above the dal mixture. Season with salt to taste. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. -
Pressure Cook the Dal:
Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook the dal on medium heat for 4 whistles. After 4 whistles, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for an additional 30-40 minutes to allow the dals to soften and blend with the spices. Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. -
Finish the Dish:
Once the pressure has been released, carefully open the pressure cooker. Check the consistency and salt level of the dal. If it is too thick, add a little water to reach your desired consistency. Adjust the salt as needed and stir in the finely chopped coriander leaves for a burst of fresh flavor. -
Serve:
Transfer the Odisha Style Dal Tadka to a serving bowl and serve hot. This dal pairs wonderfully with ghee rice and palak raita for a complete and nutritious meal.
Tips & Variations
- Use Ghee: For an even richer flavor, you can add a dollop of ghee on top of the dal before serving.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the number of green chilies or add some red chili powder if you like your dal spicier.
- Dal Consistency: Adjust the water based on how thick or thin you like your dal. Some prefer it more soupy, while others enjoy it thicker.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Odisha Style Dal Tadka is a perfect representation of the simplicity and depth of flavors that Oriya cuisine has to offer. It is not only high in protein due to the combination of multiple lentils and beans, but it is also incredibly satisfying and full of aromatic spices. The pressure cooker method ensures that the dal is cooked perfectly every time, making this recipe a quick and easy option for a nutritious lunch.
This hearty and flavorful dal is sure to become a family favorite, offering the warmth and comfort you need in every spoonful. Whether enjoyed with rice or paired with flatbread, Odisha Style Dal Tadka is a meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
