Oriya Special Dalma Recipe – Lentils Cooked with Vegetables & Raw Papaya
Oriya Special Dalma is a hearty, nutritious dish that hails from the coastal state of Odisha in India. This comforting lentil curry, a staple in Oriya homes, combines the richness of Toor Dal (Arhar Dal) with an assortment of fresh vegetables and the delightful taste of raw papaya. It’s not only wholesome but also versatile—perfect as a one-pot dish that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or Jeera Pulao.
With a balance of textures from the lentils and vegetables and the bold yet subtle flavors of Panch Phoran masala, garam masala, and fresh coconut, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. It’s an ideal option for a healthy, high-protein vegetarian meal that is full of flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arhar Dal (Split Toor Dal) | 1 cup |
| Potatoes (Aloo) | 2, cubed |
| Carrot (Gajjar) | 1, cubed |
| Kaddu (Pumpkin) | 1/2 cup, chopped |
| Brinjal (Baingan/Eggplant) | 1/2 cup, chopped |
| Papaya (green, raw) | 1/2 cup, cubed |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Tomato | 1, finely chopped |
| Ginger | 1-inch piece |
| Bay Leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 leaf |
| Ghee | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, crushed |
| Green Chilies | 2, slit |
| Dry Red Chili | 1 |
| Panch Phoran Masala | 1 tsp |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 tsp |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1 tsp |
| Red Chili Powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh Coconut | 2 tbsp, thinly shaved |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | A small bunch, chopped |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 280 mg |
(Note: The nutritional values are approximations and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and their quantities.)
Preparation Time:
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 33 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 40 minutes |
| Total Time | 73 minutes |
Serving:
- Servings: 2
- Cuisine: Oriya
- Course: Lunch, Main Course
- Diet: High-Protein Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Prep the Vegetables & Dal:
- Begin by thoroughly washing the Arhar dal (split Toor dal). Set it aside to drain.
- Prepare all the vegetables by peeling, washing, and chopping them into bite-sized pieces. This includes potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, brinjal, and raw papaya. Also, chop the onion and tomato finely.
-
Cook the Dalma in the Pressure Cooker:
- In a pressure cooker, add the prepared vegetables, dal, turmeric powder, green chilies, onions, bay leaf, and salt. Pour in 3 cups of water.
- Close the lid and cook on medium heat for about 2 whistles. Once the first whistle sounds, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for an additional 3 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let the pressure cooker cool down naturally. Once the pressure releases completely, open the lid and stir the dal. Keep it aside for now.
-
Prepare the Masala Tadka (Tempering):
- In a mortar and pestle, crush the ginger and garlic into a coarse paste. Alternatively, you can use a food processor for convenience.
- Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the dry red chili, panch phoran masala, red chili powder, garam masala powder, and the crushed ginger-garlic paste.
- Stir-fry the mixture for a few seconds until the spices release their aroma. Be careful not to let them burn, so lower the heat if necessary.
-
Combine the Tadka with Dal:
- Pour the spicy masala into the cooked dalma in the pressure cooker. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Taste the dal and adjust the salt and spices to suit your preference. If the dal seems too thick, you can add a little water to adjust the consistency.
- Bring the dal to a quick boil and then turn off the heat.
-
Garnish & Serve:
- Transfer the dal to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh shaved coconut and chopped coriander leaves for a burst of freshness.
- Serve the Oriya Special Dalma with a side of steamed rice or jeera pulao for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips for a Perfect Dalma:
- You can adjust the consistency of the dal by adding more water during cooking, depending on how thick or soupy you prefer it.
- Green papaya adds a unique taste, but if it’s not available, you can substitute it with raw mango for a tangy flavor or skip it altogether.
- If you want a richer flavor, you can drizzle a little extra ghee while serving.
- Panch Phoran Masala is a special spice blend made of fenugreek, cumin, mustard, nigella, and fennel seeds. It adds a beautiful complexity to the dish, so try to use it if possible for an authentic flavor.
Why You’ll Love Oriya Special Dalma:
This dish is a perfect blend of healthy lentils, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices. The raw papaya not only adds a tangy flavor but also works wonders in making the dal more digestible. The Panch Phoran Masala and fresh coconut elevate the taste, giving it a beautifully balanced flavor profile that is both comforting and light.
Ideal for a high-protein vegetarian diet, Oriya Dalma is not only delicious but also a complete meal in itself. Whether you’re looking for a filling lunch or a light dinner, this one-pot meal has got you covered. It’s easy to make, nutritious, and perfect for feeding a family or enjoying as a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Enjoy this Oriya Special Dalma with your favorite type of rice or as a standalone dish. It’s a true gem of Oriya cuisine and will surely become a favorite in your household.
