No Onion No Garlic Oriya Style Moong Dalma Recipe
Moong Dalma is a comforting, nutritious, and wholesome dish that holds a special place in every Odissi household. It’s a simple, flavorful dal stew made from yellow moong dal and mixed vegetables, cooked with aromatic spices. This recipe, made without onion and garlic, is a heartwarming dish that serves as an essential part of an Odia meal. High in protein and rich in flavors, this Moong Dalma can be enjoyed with rice or roti, making it an ideal dish for a healthy, satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Yellow Moong Dal (Split) | 1 cup, roasted |
| Mixed vegetables | 2 cups, cut into bite-sized pieces |
| Panch Phoran Masala | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh coconut | 2 tablespoons, grated |
| Ginger | 1 teaspoon, grated |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Dry Red Chilli | 3 whole |
| Bay leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 leaf |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 tablespoon |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | 3 cups |
Panch Phoran Spices for Tadka:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Fennel seeds (Saunf) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Kalonji (Onion Nigella Seeds) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Methi Seeds (Fenugreek Seeds) | 1/4 teaspoon |
Preparation Time:
20 minutes
Cooking Time:
40 minutes
Instructions:
-
Soak the Moong Dal: Start by soaking the yellow moong dal in warm water for about 30 minutes to soften it. This will help in quicker cooking and enhance the texture of the dal.
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Prepare the Vegetables: While the dal is soaking, prepare the mixed vegetables by washing and cutting them into bite-sized pieces. You can choose any vegetables that you prefer, such as carrots, beans, pumpkin, or potatoes.
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Pressure Cook the Dal and Vegetables: In a pressure cooker, add the soaked moong dal, bay leaf, and the prepared mixed vegetables. Add 3 cups of water to the cooker. Pressure cook for 2-3 whistles. Allow the pressure to release naturally, then set the cooker aside.
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Dry Roast the Spices: In a small pan, dry roast the cumin seeds and dry red chillies over low heat. Once they are roasted, remove from the heat and allow them to cool. Once cooled, grind the roasted spices into a fine powder and set them aside.
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Make the Tadka (Tempering): In the same pan, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee. Once the ghee is hot, add the panch phoran masala (the combination of cumin, mustard, fennel, kalonji, and methi seeds). Let it splutter for a few seconds. Then add the grated ginger and dry red chillies. Sauté them together until the ginger releases its aroma.
-
Combine the Dal and Vegetables: Add the cooked moong dal and vegetables into the pan with the tempering. Stir to combine everything thoroughly. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more water at this point and bring it to a simmer. Allow it to simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Add Grated Coconut: Once the dalma has simmered, mix in the freshly grated coconut for a creamy texture and added flavor. Stir to combine and remove the pan from the heat.
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Final Garnishing: To enhance the flavor, garnish the Odiya Style Moong Dalma with roasted cumin powder, red chilli powder, and a sprinkle of coconut. This step is optional but adds a beautiful touch.
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Serve: Serve the Odiya Style Moong Dalma (No Onion No Garlic) with hot steamed rice or chapati/roti. It makes for a wholesome, nutritious meal perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Notes:
- You can adjust the consistency of the dalma by adding more water as per your preference. If you like a thicker dal, reduce the amount of water during cooking.
- The choice of vegetables is flexible. You can use a mix of seasonal vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.
- For a richer taste, you can add a bit more ghee while cooking the tempering, but be mindful of the calorie count if you’re following a light diet.
Moong Dalma is a great example of a traditional Odia recipe that combines simple ingredients to create a dish bursting with flavor and nourishment. With its soothing texture and aromatic spices, this dish not only offers a comforting experience but is also an excellent source of protein and fiber. Whether you’re looking to try a new dish or simply want a healthy, no-fuss meal, Odiya Style Moong Dalma is sure to become a favorite in your home!
