Oriya Mitha Dali (Sweet Lentil Curry) Recipe
Oriya Mitha Dali is a traditional dish from the coastal region of Odisha, India. This sweet and savory lentil curry is made using a combination of yellow split peas (Chana Dal) and red lentils (Masoor Dal), infused with a variety of spices, and finished off with a delicious tempering of ghee and aromatic seeds. Served alongside rice or a sweet pilaf, it makes for a wholesome and comforting meal. Let’s dive into this unique and delightful recipe!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chana Dal (Yellow Split Peas) | 1 cup |
| Masoor Dal (Red Lentils) | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Turmeric Powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Sugar | 1 tsp |
| Grated Coconut | 5 tbsp |
| Green Cardamom | 4 pods |
| Cinnamon Stick | 1 small piece |
| Black Pepper (Whole) | 1/2 tsp |
| Cloves (Laung) | 5 pieces |
| Coriander Seeds | 1 tsp |
| Cumin Seeds | 1/2 tsp |
| Fennel Seeds | 1/2 tsp |
| Fenugreek Seeds (Methi Dana) | 1/2 tsp |
| Ghee | 1 tsp |
| Cumin Seeds (For Tempering) | 1/4 tsp |
| Fennel Seeds (For Tempering) | 1/4 tsp |
Preparation Time
- Preparation: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings
- Servings: 4
Cuisine
- Cuisine: Oriya (Indian)
- Course: Main Course (Lunch)
- Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Lentils
To begin, wash both Chana Dal (yellow split peas) and Masoor Dal (red lentils) thoroughly. After washing, soak the lentils in water for about 30 minutes to allow them to soften and cook faster. Meanwhile, soak all the ingredients required for the paste (grated coconut, cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, cloves, coriander seeds, cumin, fennel, and fenugreek) for about 15 minutes.
Step 2: Making the Paste
After the soaking time is over, place all the soaked ingredients in a mixer grinder and blend them into a smooth paste. This paste will give the dish its signature flavor and richness.
Step 3: Cooking the Lentils
Now, drain the soaked lentils and add them to a pressure cooker along with 3 cups of water. Cook the lentils on medium heat for about 2 whistles. Once done, open the cooker, and you’ll see that the lentils are tender and fully cooked.
Step 4: Adding the Coconut Paste
To the cooked lentils, add the coconut paste along with turmeric powder, sugar, and salt. Stir the mixture and cook on low heat for an additional 3 minutes. This step will help incorporate all the flavors and let the sugar dissolve fully.
Step 5: Preparing the Tempering
In a small pan, heat the ghee. Once the ghee is hot, add cumin and fennel seeds. Let the seeds cook for about 15 seconds, allowing them to release their fragrance. This tempering will add depth and aroma to the dal.
Step 6: Mixing the Tempering into the Dal
Pour this tempering into the cooked dal and mix everything together. Ensure the consistency of the dal is to your liking—not too thick or too runny. Adjust the consistency by adding a little water if necessary.
Step 7: Final Touch
Once the dal reaches the desired consistency, turn off the heat. Your Oriya Mitha Dali is now ready!
Step 8: Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious Oriya Mitha Dali with hot steamed rice for a comforting, fulfilling meal. Alternatively, you can pair it with any sweet pulao or pilaf of your choice to complement the flavors. The combination of the sweet and spicy dal with aromatic rice is truly a treat!
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 kcal |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugars | 7 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
| Calcium | 40 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
Tips for the Perfect Oriya Mitha Dali:
- Soaking the Lentils: Soaking the lentils before cooking helps them cook faster and become tender, so don’t skip this step.
- Consistency: Adjust the consistency of the dal by adding more water if needed. You want it to be smooth but not watery.
- Tempering: The tempering (tadka) of cumin and fennel seeds in ghee is crucial for adding flavor to the dish, so make sure it’s done just right.
- Sweetness: The sugar in the recipe gives the dal a sweet touch, but you can always adjust the amount of sugar based on your preference.
- Ghee: Using ghee in the tempering adds a traditional richness to the dish. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use oil instead.
Why You’ll Love Oriya Mitha Dali:
Oriya Mitha Dali brings a perfect balance of flavors to the table, combining the nuttiness of lentils with the sweetness of coconut and sugar. The tempering of spices in ghee elevates the taste to a whole new level, making it a satisfying dish that pairs wonderfully with rice or any sweet rice dish. With its unique flavors and rich texture, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you are looking for a comforting lunch or an exotic dish to add to your menu, Oriya Mitha Dali is an excellent choice!
Enjoy this delightful dish, packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, all while keeping your taste buds happy!
