Dalcha Recipe
Veg Dalcha is a flavorful South Indian dish made with a combination of lentils (usually toor dal), mixed vegetables, and aromatic spices. Cooked with tamarind pulp and a special blend of masalas, this hearty stew has a slightly tangy taste and pairs perfectly with biryani, plain rice, or chapati. It's a nutritious, comforting, and protein-rich vegetarian alternative to traditional meat dalcha.
Ingredients
For Pressure Cooking
- ¼ cup Red lentil
- ¼ cup split yellow gram
- ¼ cup Arhar/toor dal
- 1 Bottle gourd (lauki), peeled & cubed
- ½ tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp salt
For Tempering & Masala
- 2 tbsp oil
- ½ tsp mustard
- ½ tsp cumin seeds
- curry leaves
- dry red chilli
- Hind/ Asafetida
- 2 Onion finely chopped
- 1 tomato finely chopped
- 2½ tbsp Tamarind pulp
- 2 green chili
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp Red chili powder
- 1 tsp Garam masala
- coriander leaves for garnishing
Instructions
Prepare the Dal & Lauki / Bottelguard
- Rinse the three dals together and soak for 15–20 minutes.
- In a pressure cooker, add the soaked dals, lauki pieces, turmeric powder, salt, and water.
- Pressure cook for 3–4 whistles or until dals and lauki are completely cooked and soft.
- Mash lightly with a ladle for a semi-smooth texture. Set aside.
Make the Masala Base
- Heat oil in a large pan or kadhai.
- Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, dry red chilies, curry leaves, and hing. Let them splutter.
- Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook till soft and mushy.
Spice It Up
- Add red chili powder, coriander powder, and a pinch of garam masala.
- Cook the masala on medium flame until oil starts to separate.
Combine Everything
- Add the cooked dal-lauki mixture to the masala base.
- Mix well and add water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Add tamarind pulp and green chilies. Let it simmer for 8–10 minutes.
- Adjust salt and spices as per taste.
Notes
This vegetarian Hyderabadi Dalcha is not just flavorful but also nutritious and comforting. Perfect for a balanced meal, this recipe uses simple pantry staples and is ideal for vegetarians or anyone looking for a light yet satisfying dish. Whether served for lunch or dinner, it makes for a hearty companion to your rice platter.