Dalma

I have grown up seeing a lot of dance photographs that would get published in local magazines. My sister would diligently cut each photograph, study them to learn all the tricks that go into the the art of sewing the dance costumes(Since there were no specific dance costume tailors in the place where we lived) and the nuances in that dance form. So my sister took the forms of both the teacher and the tailor for me:-)Thank you Indu for the same!!And apart from our own Bharathanatyam, I had a liking to Odissi (The classical dance form of Orissa) as well...Love the white and red and the simple silver jewellery.Since then I wanted to visit Orissa and specifically wanted to visit Jaganath temple and on searching information about Orissa I learnt that Dalma is one of their specialty and is a must in a Vegetarian Thali.So here comes a recipe under the regional theme for BM#32 from Orissa

INGREDIENTS

Brinjal                  1
Pumpkin              1/2 cup(cubed)
Raw papaya         few cubes
Raw banana         1
Tomato                1
Grated coconut    1tbsp
Toor dal               1 cup
Turmeric Powder  1/2 tsp

SPICE POWDER

Cumin seeds    1 tsp
Red chilli      2

FOR TEMPERING

Ghee                            1tbsp
Mustard seeds              1tsp
Cumin seeds                 1/2 tsp
Minced green chiili         1
Grated ginger                 1tsp
Onion                            1

PREPARATION

Dry roast cumin and red chilli. Powder it finely and keep aside
Cut all the vegetables into even sized cubes. Do not cut very small
Place dal, washed and cut vegetables, coconut and enough water and cook in a pressure cooker upto 2 whistles. Do not let it become mushy
In a pan heat the ghee and add the mustard seeds. When it splutters add cumin seeds, green chilli, grated ginger and onion and saute in low flame.
When the onion starts to brown add the cooked dal-vegetable mixture and mix well
Mix in the spice powder and salt
Cook on a low flame for another few minutes.
Serve hot with rice