Dalma

Ingredients

• 1 cup toor (arhar) dal
• 1 cup raw papaya, cubed
• 1 small raw banana, cubed
• 1 cup pumpkin, cubed
• 1 small brinjal, cubed
• ½ tsp turmeric
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp ghee
• 1 tsp panch phutana (equal parts mustard, cumin, fennel, fenugreek and kalonji)
• 2 dried red chillies
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 2 tbsp grated coconut
• 1 tsp cumin and 2 dried red chillies, dry-roasted and powdered (bhaja masala)

Method

1. Wash the dal and boil it with 3 cups water, turmeric and salt until half cooked.
2. Add the papaya, raw banana and pumpkin and cook for 10 minutes. Add the brinjal and cook until the vegetables are soft but hold their shape.
3. Heat ghee in a small pan. Add the panch phutana, dried chillies, bay leaf and ginger and let them crackle.
4. Pour this tempering into the dal, add the grated coconut and simmer for 2 minutes.
5. Sprinkle the roasted cumin-chilli powder and a little more ghee on top. Serve with rice.