Dalma

Dalma, one of the most famous and integral part of Odia cuisine. This dish is quiet simple to make and has a unique flavor. This dish can be made in various forms. Its a conglomeration of  many ingredients, that can separately be added and form Dalma. Many different varieties of Dal (lentils) along with vegetables is put together to make this dish. You can opt for many ingredients or skip a few the dish would have different flavors but the outcome is Dalma. Therefore, this dish can have many flavors and would depend on your liking's to choose the ingredients. 

I am describing the traditional version here . The main ingredient that gives it the rich Dalma flavor are, Pumpkin and raw papaya.

Ingredients :- 
3/4 cup: Toor dal and Chana Dal (optional masoor dal and moong dal)
150 gm: Pumpkin cut into large pieces
1 no: Brinjal, large and cut into medium size pieces
1 no: Banana green and cut into medium size pieces
1 no: Papaya, small and cut into medium size pieces
1 no: Potato, peeled and cut into large pieces
2 tsp: Coconut, grated
1 tsp: Pancha-phutana (Cumin, Mustard, Fennel, Fenu greek, Kala Jeera)
3 no: Red Chillies, dried
1 tbs: Ginger, minced
1 tbs: Turmeric
2 tsp: Cumin, fried
1 tsp: Ghee or Oil
1/2 tsp: Sugar, Salt to taste

Methods :-

1.Dry roast 1 tsp of cumin and red chilli in a pan.

2. Grind it properly and leave it aside.

3. In a pressure cooker add 4 cups of water and add both dals (toor and chana),cut vegetables, coconut, salt, minced ginger, turmeric and leave it until Dal is half cooked.

4. Cook for 2 whistle in medium flame and simmer and cook for 2 mins and then take it off from flame and let it cook till the pressure drops.

5. Heat a pan, add ghee & cumin seeds. When it starts crackling add two red chili and curry leaves(optional). Pour this mixture over cooked dalma.

6. Sprinkle roasted cumin and chilli powder.

7. Decorate with grated coriander leaves (optional).