India > Vegetarian > Dal

Tomato Dalcha Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup toor dal (pigeon peas)
- 2 medium-sized tomatoes, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 green chilies, chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves

Special Equipment Needed:
- Pressure cooker

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Rinse the toor dal and soak it in water for 30 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a pressure cooker and add cumin seeds and mustard seeds.
3. Once the seeds start to splutter, add chopped onions and green chilies. Saute until onions turn golden brown.
4. Add ginger-garlic paste and saute for a minute.
5. Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes.
6. Drain the soaked toor dal and add it to the pressure cooker. Mix well.
7. Add 2 cups of water and mix well.
8. Close the pressure cooker lid and cook for 3-4 whistles on medium flame.
9. Once the pressure releases naturally, open the lid and mix well.
10. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium flame
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 10g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Toor dal can be substituted with any other lentil.
- Garam masala powder can be substituted with curry powder.

Variations:
- Add vegetables like carrots, beans, and potatoes to make it more nutritious.
- Add tamarind pulp for a tangy flavor.

Tips and Tricks:
- Soak the toor dal for at least 30 minutes to reduce the cooking time.
- Adjust the spice level according to your preference.

Storage Instructions:
- Store the leftover dalcha in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
- Heat the dalcha in a microwave or on a stovetop until hot.

Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the dalcha in a bowl and garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

Garnishes:
- Chopped coriander leaves

Pairings:
- Serve with rice or roti.

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Cucumber raita
- Papad

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dalcha is too thick, add more water and cook for a few more minutes.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the dalcha properly to avoid any foodborne illnesses.

Food History:
- Tomato dalcha is a popular South Indian dish that originated in Andhra Pradesh.

Flavor Profiles:
- Spicy, tangy, and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot with rice or roti.

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Region: Indian

Taste: Spicy, Tangy, Savory, Aromatic