Authentic Oriya Dalma

This soul-warming Oriya Dalma is a nutritious one-pot wonder that combines protein-rich arhar dal with fresh seasonal vegetables, aromatic spices, and the signature panch phutan seasoning. A beloved comfort food from Odisha, this wholesome curry delivers complex flavors while being surprisingly simple to prepare—perfect for family dinners and connecting with authentic Indian culinary traditions.

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Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: Indian

Keyword: Vegetarian

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 35

Total Time: 55

Servings:

Calories: 285kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

1.5 cups arhar dal split toor dal
1/2 cup diced potatoes
1/2 cup chopped pumpkin
1/2 cup chopped eggplant brinjal
1/2 cup chopped raw papaya
250 grams chopped green beans
250 grams diced jackfruit optional
1 tomato chopped
2 tbsp ghee
2 green chilies
1 dry red chili
1 tsp panch phutan five-spice mix
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp red chili powder
Salt to taste
2 tbsp fresh coconut slices
Coriander leaves chopped

Instructions

Wash arhar dal thoroughly and pressure cook with turmeric powder until soft and mushy (3-4 whistles).
Add all vegetables (potatoes, pumpkin, eggplant, papaya, green beans, jackfruit), chopped tomato, green chilies, and salt to the cooked dal with sufficient water.
Cook the dal-vegetable mixture until vegetables are tender (10-12 minutes).
In a separate pan, heat ghee over medium heat; add panch phutan and dry red chili, allowing them to splutter.
Add the cooked dal mixture to the seasoned ghee and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Stir in cumin powder and red chili powder, mixing well.
Garnish with fresh coconut slices and chopped coriander leaves before serving.

Notes

Panch phutan can be substituted with equal parts cumin seeds, fennel seeds, fenugreek seeds, nigella seeds, and mustard seeds

Jackfruit adds authentic flavor but can be omitted if unavailable

Adjust vegetable quantities based on seasonal availability—drumsticks, ridge gourd, or bottle gourd work well

For richer flavor, add a pinch of hing (asafoetida) with the tempering

The consistency should be slightly thick—add hot water if too thick or simmer uncovered if too thin

Dalma tastes better the next day as flavors develop, making it perfect for meal prep

Nutrition