Dalcha Curry

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) lentils, rinsed and soaked 1 cup (200g) lentils, rinsed and soaked
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 carrot, diced 1 carrot, diced
• 1 potato, diced 1 potato, diced
• 1 cup (200g) mixed vegetables (such as peas, beans, and cauliflower) 1 cup (200g) mixed vegetables (such as peas, beans, and cauliflower)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch ginger, grated 1-inch ginger, grated
• 2 green chili peppers, slit 2 green chili peppers, slit
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (optional, for heat) 1 teaspoon red chili powder (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon tamarind paste 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 6g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat oil in a pressure cooker and sauté the onions until golden brown.
2. 2.
   Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and slit green chili peppers. Sauté for a minute.
3. 3.
   Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy.
4. 4.
   Add the turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and red chili powder (if using). Mix well.
5. 5.
   Drain the soaked lentils and add them to the pressure cooker along with the diced carrot, potato, and mixed vegetables.
6. 6.
   Add tamarind paste and salt. Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients.
7. 7.
   Close the pressure cooker and cook for 4-5 whistles or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
8. 8.
   Once the pressure is released, open the cooker and stir in the coconut milk. Simmer for a few minutes.
9. 9.
   Adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lentils — Soaking the lentils before cooking helps to reduce the cooking time and ensures they cook evenly.
• Tamarind paste — If you don't have tamarind paste, you can substitute it with lemon juice for a tangy flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a thicker consistency, mash some of the cooked lentils and vegetables with the back of a spoon before adding coconut milk.
• Adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer green chili peppers and red chili powder according to your preference.
• Serve Dalcha with steamed rice or naan bread for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve Dalcha hot in individual bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro. Accompany it with steamed rice or naan bread for a satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle a pinch of red chili powder and a few drops of coconut milk on top of the Dalcha just before serving. Serve it in a traditional Indian copper or brass bowl for an authentic touch.