Indian Thali Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) basmati rice 2 cups (400g) basmati rice
• 1 cup (200g) lentils (such as masoor or toor dal) 1 cup (200g) lentils (such as masoor or toor dal)
• 2 cups (470ml) water 2 cups (470ml) water
• 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter) 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 2 tomatoes, pureed 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 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 garam masala 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
• For the side dishes: For the side dishes:
• 1 cup (200g) paneer, cubed 1 cup (200g) paneer, cubed
• 1 cup (150g) mixed vegetables (such as potatoes, carrots, peas) 1 cup (150g) mixed vegetables (such as potatoes, carrots, peas)
• 1 cup (200g) yogurt 1 cup (200g) yogurt
• 1 tablespoon oil 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon chaat masala 1 teaspoon chaat masala
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• For the bread: For the bread:
• 4 rotis (Indian flatbread) or naan 4 rotis (Indian flatbread) or naan
• For the accompaniments: For the accompaniments:
• Mango pickle Mango pickle
• Mint chutney Mint chutney
• Tamarind chutney Tamarind chutney
• Raita (yogurt-based dip) Raita (yogurt-based dip)
• For the dessert: For the dessert:
• 1 cup (200g) rice pudding (kheer) 1 cup (200g) rice pudding (kheer)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 500 kcal / 2092 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 75g, 5g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 10g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the rice and lentils separately under cold water.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the rice. Cook until the rice is tender and fluffy.
3. 3.
   In another pot, cook the lentils with water until soft and mushy.
4. 4.
   In a separate pan, heat ghee and sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger until golden brown.
5. 5.
   Add the tomato puree and cook until the oil separates.
6. 6.
   Add the turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and salt. Cook for a few minutes to enhance the flavors.
7. 7.
   Add the cooked lentils to the spice mixture and simmer for 10 minutes.
8. 8.
   In a separate pan, heat oil and temper with mustard seeds and cumin seeds.
9. 9.
   Add the mixed vegetables and cook until tender. Sprinkle with red chili powder and chaat masala.
10. 10.
    Grill or pan-fry the paneer until golden brown.
11. 11.
    Warm the rotis or naan on a griddle or in the oven.
12. 12.
    Arrange the rice, lentils, side dishes, bread, accompaniments, and dessert on a large platter.
13. 13.
    Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot with lemon wedges.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch before cooking.
• Lentils — Soak the lentils for a few hours before cooking to reduce cooking time and enhance digestibility.
• Paneer — For a firmer texture, press the paneer between paper towels and place a weight on top for 30 minutes before cutting and cooking.
• Rotis or Naan — Brush the bread with ghee or butter for a richer flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• Experiment with different combinations of side dishes and accompaniments to create your own unique Thali experience.
• Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili powder and garam masala.
• Serve the Thali on a large platter with small bowls for an authentic presentation.
• To save time, prepare some of the side dishes and accompaniments in advance.
• Don't forget to squeeze the lemon wedges over the Thali for an extra burst of tanginess.

Serving advice

Serve the Thali hot, allowing guests to help themselves to a variety of dishes. Encourage them to mix and match flavors to create their own unique combinations.

Presentation advice

Arrange the dishes on the Thali in a visually appealing manner, using different colors and textures to create an enticing display. Garnish with fresh herbs for an added touch of freshness.