Hyderabadi Veg Dalcha Recipe

Hyderabadi Veg Dalcha is a popular vegetarian dish from the Hyderabadi cuisine, known for its rich and flavorful taste. It is made with a combination of lentils, vegetables, and aromatic spices. Here's a recipe to prepare Hyderabadi Veg Dalcha:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup pigeon peas (toor dal), soaked for 30 minutes
1/4 cup chana dal (split Bengal gram), soaked for 30 minutes
1/4 cup yellow moong dal (split yellow lentils), soaked for 30 minutes
2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, drumsticks, etc.), chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tomatoes, finely chopped
2 green chilies, slit
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing
3 tablespoons oil or ghee (clarified butter)
For the tempering:

1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
2-3 dried red chilies
A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
Curry leaves
Instructions:

In a pressure cooker, add the soaked pigeon peas, chana dal, and moong dal. Add enough water to cover the lentils. Pressure cook for about 3-4 whistles or until the lentils are cooked and soft. Set aside.
In a separate pot, heat oil or ghee over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add cumin seeds, dried red chilies, asafoetida, and curry leaves. Saute for a few seconds until fragrant.
Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
Add ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Saute for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy.
Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Mix well and cook the masala mixture for a few minutes until the spices are well combined.
Add the chopped mixed vegetables and sauté for a couple of minutes.
Pour in water, enough to cover the vegetables. Cover the pot and simmer until the vegetables are cooked and tender.
Once the vegetables are cooked, add the cooked lentils to the pot and mix well. Adjust the consistency by adding water if needed.
Simmer the dalcha for another 10-15 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Serve the Hyderabadi Veg Dalcha hot with steamed rice, biryani, or roti.
Enjoy the delicious and aromatic Hyderabadi Veg Dalcha!