Habisa dalma is a traditional Odia dish that is typically prepared during the holy month of Kartik. It is a hearty and wholesome dish that is made with mixed vegetables and lentils. Here’s a recipe for you to try:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as pumpkin, sweet potato, raw banana, yam, and eggplant), chopped
- 1/2 cup split yellow pigeon peas (toor dal)
- 1/2 cup split green gram (moong dal)
- 2 tbsp. ghee or clarified butter
- 1 tsp. cumin seeds
- 1 tsp. mustard seeds
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3-4 cloves
- 2 dried red chilies
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp. turmeric powder
- 1 tsp. coriander powder
- 1 tsp. cumin powder
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pot, combine the chopped mixed vegetables, split yellow pigeon peas, and split green gram. Add enough water to cover the ingredients and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer until the lentils and vegetables are cooked through.
- In a separate pan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, mustard seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, and dried red chilies. Fry until fragrant.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the pan. Fry until the onion has softened.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they have softened.
- Add the turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt. Stir well to combine.
- Add the spice mixture to the pot of cooked lentils and vegetables. Stir gently to combine.
- Simmer the habisa dalma for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together and the dish has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice.
Enjoy the hearty and flavorful habisa dalma, a traditional Odia dish that is perfect for any occasion!