Dal Vangi Recipe – Spicy Lentils with Roasted Eggplant
Dal Vangi, a beloved dish from Maharashtrian cuisine, is a comforting and flavorful combination of lentils (Arhar dal) and roasted eggplant (brinjal). This dish is elevated with the unique, aromatic Maharashtrian Goda Masala, making it a rich and satisfying addition to any meal. Its blend of fresh spices and seasonal vegetables not only offers a delicious burst of flavor but also provides a hearty, nutritious meal.
Perfect for lunch or dinner, Dal Vangi is high in protein and suitable for vegetarians, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a wholesome, protein-packed meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arhar dal (Split Toor Dal) | 1 cup |
| Brinjal (Baingan / Eggplant) | 4, de-stemmed |
| Green Chillies | 3, slit |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dry coconut (Kopra) | 2 tablespoons, cut into small pieces |
| Kokum (Malabar Tamarind) | 2 pieces |
| Jaggery | 1 teaspoon, grated |
| Maharashtrian Goda Masala | 1 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 7 leaves |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/ Kadugu) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | to taste |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 2 sprigs, finely chopped |
| Oil | for cooking |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 4
Instructions
Step 1: Cooking the Dal
- Begin by cooking the Arhar dal (split toor dal). In a pressure cooker, add the washed dal along with 2-1/2 cups of water, kokum, a pinch of turmeric powder, and salt.
- Close the lid and cook for 2-3 whistles on high heat. Once the pressure cooker starts whistling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 3-4 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally.
- Once the pressure is released, open the lid and whisk the cooked dal lightly to break any clumps. Set it aside.
Step 2: Preparing the Roasted Eggplant (Vangi)
- Coarsely pound the cumin seeds, green chillies, garlic, and dry coconut in a pestle and mortar to form a coarse paste.
- Cut the brinjals lengthwise into quarters. To prevent the brinjal from oxidizing and turning black, soak the pieces in salted water until ready to use. Drain the brinjals before cooking.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
- Add the mustard seeds to the oil and allow them to crackle.
- Once the mustard seeds crackle, add the curry leaves followed by the coarsely ground garlic-chili-coconut-cumin mixture. Stir for a few seconds until the flavors are released.
- Add the turmeric powder and the drained brinjal pieces to the pan.
- Sprinkle salt to taste and stir the mixture well to coat the brinjal pieces with the spices.
- Cover the pan and cook the brinjals until they are evenly roasted and cooked through. If needed, add a little water to speed up the cooking process. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Combining the Dal and Roasted Eggplant
- Once the brinjal is cooked, add the cooked dal to the pan along with the Maharashtrian Goda Masala.
- Stir everything together, ensuring that the dal and brinjal are well combined.
- Add a little water to adjust the consistency of the dal if it feels too thick.
- Taste the dal and adjust the salt and spice level according to your preference.
- Bring the dal to a brisk boil for a couple of minutes, then turn off the heat.
- Garnish the dal with finely chopped coriander leaves.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Dal Vangi hot, alongside steamed rice with a dollop of ghee for a richer experience. Alternatively, pair it with bhakri (a type of flatbread) to complete this wholesome meal. It can also be served with papad on the side to add a crispy texture to the meal.
Dal Vangi is a perfect comfort food that combines the goodness of lentils with the earthy flavor of roasted brinjal, complemented by the bold, aromatic spices of Maharashtrian cuisine. It’s a dish that’s simple to prepare, yet bursting with flavor, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or weekend feasts with family and friends. Enjoy the flavors of Maharashtra in the comfort of your own home with this delightful dish!
