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4 Mins delivery
Dalna
Serves 4
40 mins
322 KcalDiscover the comforting flavours of dalna, an old Bengali curry, truly the epitome of vegetarian bliss. The stunning combination of potatoes, cauliflower, and green peas cooked in a spiced tomato and ginger curry makes this dalna recipe simple yet so opulently flavoured that it overpowers the senses. This is how subtle seasoning with spices such as cumin, turmeric, and garam masala gives this old curry its flavour without overwhelming the palate. Traditionally served during festivals and family gatherings, this delectable dish is often described as having a gentle, homestyle flavour, as if it envelops one warmly. For the maximum sweetness and trace of smokiness in this dalna recipe, vegetables are first saut ed until golden. Then, the flavourful vegetables are simmered in the aromatic gravy, absorbing the spices and thus turning the liquid sauce thick and delicious enough to coat each ingredient. It is a full-balanced meal if accompanied by steamed rice, roti, or luchi, a puffed bread-like dish. Dalna is more than a curry; it's a festival of seasonal vegetables and old-fashioned cooking. A dalna recipe that lends itself to personalization with whatever vegetables one prefers and hence can be prepared for both a regular day and a special occasion. Another favourite in the Bengali houses is Dalna. So, try this dish and add a delightful, authentic taste from the Bengali homeland to your cuisine.
Ingredients required for Dalna
- 200 gms paneer
- 1 potato
- 3 tbsp mustard oil
- 2 inch cinnamon
- 4 cloves
- 2 tsp ginger
- 1 tsp green chilli
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tbsp coriander powder
- 1 bay leaf
- 160 gms tomato
- Salt
- 1/3 cup green peas
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tsp ghee
Cooking steps for Dalna
- 1Let's dive into this flavour-packed Bengali dalna! It's got creamy potatoes, tender paneer, and a lightly spiced, tangy gravy that's pure comfort food.
- 2Start by making the spice mix.
- 3Grab a dry grinder, mortar, and pestle, and combine green cardamoms, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves. Grind them into a fine powder. This will be your finishing touch to give the dish its signature warmth. Set it aside for now.
- 4In the same grinder, blend 2 teaspoons of chopped ginger, 1 teaspoon of green chillies, ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1/2 teaspoon of Kashmiri red chilli powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin powder, and 1 tablespoon of coriander powder. Add 3–4 teaspoons of water to make a smooth paste, but don't overdo the water, it'll splutter when you cook it later.
- 5Heat 3 tablespoons of mustard oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cubed potatoes and fry them, stirring occasionally, until you see golden spots.
- 6Take them out and, in the same oil, fry paneer cubes until light golden on both sides. For extra-soft paneer, soak the fried pieces in lukewarm water and set them aside.
- 7With some oil still in the pan, toss in a bay leaf and cumin seeds. Let them crackle to release their aroma. If the pan looks dry, add another tablespoon of mustard oil.
- 8Carefully add your spice paste to the pan (watch out, it might splutter!) and cook on medium heat until the oil separates and the paste darkens.
- 9Add ¾ cup of chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn into a soft pulp, adding water if needed to keep things from drying out.
- 10Now, toss in some peas and season with salt. Stir to coat them in the masala, then pour in ¾ to 1 cup of water. Cover and cook for 15–16 minutes, or until the peas are tender. Frozen peas will cook faster, so keep an eye on them.
- 11When the peas are ready, add the fried potatoes and mix well. Stir in 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavours, then let it all simmer for a few more minutes.
- 12Sprinkle on your prepped spice mix, and finish with a teaspoon or two of ghee for a rich, aromatic touch. Finally, add the paneer cubes, folding them gently into the gravy so they soak up all that goodness.
- 13Serve your recipe of dalna hot with poori, luchi, or roti. It's creamy, tangy, and perfect for a comforting meal that everyone will love!
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FAQs
What is Dalna?
Dalna is a traditional Bengali dish consisting of boiled lentils -moong dal or toor dal- or a combination of vegetables cooked in rich, spiced gravy. The veggies could include potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, and peas, and it's a great example of how these ingredients are used together. The curry is flavoured with various aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. It gives a rich, earthy flavour. Dalna is one of the staples in Bengali cuisine, consumed often, and served with steamed rice or roti.
Is Dalna healthy?
Yes, the dish is healthy. Lentils are rich in protein, fibre, and other essential nutrients like iron and folate. So, Dalna is a good source of vegetarian nutrition.
How can I customise Dalna?
Dalna is a very versatile dish that can be changed according to your whims and fancy. You may change the vegetables used according to whatever seasonally is available or whatever you wish to use. Good variations include adding cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and spinach.
