A couple of days ago I posted Anupama’s recipe for Sanna Polo and today I present her recipe for Dalithoy, which I made as an accompaniment for the Sanna Polo. This Konkani-style tempered Dal is meets the very definition of comfort food (as do most traditional dals), and makes for a nice addition to my range of dal recipes.
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” said Leonardo da Vinci. This quote is so apt for the everyday home cooked meals. Each dish may seem simple but it celebrates the core ingredient (a term I picked up from watching MasterChef Australia :D); just consider the dals we make at home; the Maharashtrian Varan, Andhra Mudda Pappu, Rajasthan Panchmel Dal/Panchkuti Dal, Gujarati Dal, Punjabi Dal Makhani… the list is endless.
What I loved about Dalithoy was how simple it was to make yet so distinctive in flavour that set it apart from its cousin, the Maharashtrian Varan. The Dalithoy-Rice combination (liberally doused with ghee, of course) is just the perfect vehicle to enjoy a spicy side dish or just by itself.
Do try Anupama’s recipes for Udupi Temple Rasam, Idli Upkari, and Mysore Masala Dosa as well. They are simply out of this world.
How to Make Dalithoy | The Classic Konkani Dal
Dalithoy | The Classic Konkani Dal
Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup Split Pigeon Pea, Tuvar Dal
- 1 tsp Asafoetida, Hing
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric, Haldi
- 1 Handful Fresh Coriander Leaves
- 2 Slit Green Chillies
- 4-5 Drops Oil
- Salt to Taste
- 1 tbsp Ghee
- 1 tsp Rai, Mustard Seeds
- 1 tsp Jeera, Cumin Seeds
- 8-10 Curry Leaves
- 2-3 Red Chillies
Instructions
- Wash and soak the tuvar dal in 1.5 cups water for about 30 mins.
- Add turmeric and few drops oil.
- Pressure cook till totally mashable.
- Mash the dal.
- If the dal is very thick, add some water to get thick but pourable dal.
- Add the green chillies, hing, and coriander.
- Bring to a boil.
- In a ladle, heat the ghee.
- Add mustard seeds and wait till they crackle.
- Add cumin seeds and stir-fry till they start to change colour.
- Add split red chillies and curry leaves. Stir-fry for a few seconds.
- Add the tempering to the simmering Dalithoy.
- Mix well and turn off the heat.
- Cover and let the Dalithoy rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve hot with rice, Sanna Polo, and upkari.
Dalithoy Recipe with Step-by-Step Instructions
- If you are using bandhi hing/compounded asafoetida, soak it in about 2-3 tbsp of water.
- Cooking the Dal
- Wash the tuvar dal well under running water.
- Soak the dal in 1.5 cups water for about 30 mins. Anupama had suggested 1-2 hours.
- After the dal has soaked, add haldi and few drops oil to it. Mix well.
- Pressure cook the dal till it becomes very soft.
- Completely mash the dal.
- If your dal is very thick (semi-solid), add enough water till you get dal of a pourable consistency.
- Making the Dalithoy
- Add the green chillies, coriander, and hing to the mashed dal.
- Bring to a boil.
- In a ladle, heat the ghee.
- Add mustard seeds and wait till they crackle.
- Add cumin seeds and stir-fry till they start to change colour.
- Add split red chillies and curry leaves. Stir-fry for a few seconds.
- Add the tempering to the simmering dal.
- Mix well and turn off the heat.
- Add the green chillies, coriander, and hing to the mashed dal.
- Cover and let the dal rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve hot with rice and upkari.
Megala says
Beautiful dal ! This is somewhat similar to a south Indian dal, that we used to give to 6-month old babies !
MyCulinarySaga says
I love Dalithoy 🙂 but the recipe I have from one of my Konkani friend says must add tomato. Tastes delicious. Guess every house has their variation.
Aruna says
Absolutely, Trupti. Anupama also suggested I add red chilli powder for colour and top up with lemon juice.