Vegan Dalcha
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
344 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Indian
Vegan Dalcha
Description
Vegan Dalcha blends red lentils and soy curls with whole spices such as cloves, black peppercorns, bay leaf, and cinnamon stick, enriching the base flavor. The sautéed onion and green chili add mild heat and sweetness while the ginger-garlic paste intensifies the aroma. Coconut cream provides a creamy consistency without dairy, balancing the spices and adding subtle richness. The lentils and green beans cook together until soft, creating a thick, stew-like texture.
Dalcha can be enjoyed on its own or served alongside rice or flatbread, offering a flavorful protein-rich vegan option. The depth of spices and use of soy curls provide a meaty texture that complements the lentils well.
Original notes mention the possibility of using different types of lentils, like chana dal or moong dal, adjusting cooking times accordingly. The recipe is naturally gluten-free and nut-free, and soy substitutes like seitan or canned chickpeas can be used for those avoiding soy. Reserving some golden onion as garnish adds visual and flavor contrast.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
- 2 clove whole
- 6 black peppercorns
- 2 bay leaf
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 cup onion red, chopped
- 1 green chili chopped, hot, like serrano or Indian
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste or minced ginger and garlic (1 1/2 teaspoons each)
- 2 ounces dried soy curls soaked in broth for 10 minutes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/4 cup coconut cream (thick part from a can of full fat coconut milk)
- 1 teaspoon kashmiri chili powder or use paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin ground
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup red lentils or other lentils or split peas of choice(such as toor dal or Chana dal)
- 1/2 cup green beans or other veggies of choice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups water
For the tempering(seasoned oil)
- 1 teaspoon neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger julienne
- 10 curry leaves fresh or frozen
- 1 tablespoon cilantro chopped leaves
Instructions
Make the dalcha.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the oil. Once the oil is hot, add the cloves, black peppercorns, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick and mix in. Cook for half a minute or until the spices are fragrant. Then add the onion, green chili, and a good pinch of salt and mix well. Cook for 7 to 9 minutes, or until the onions start to turn golden. Add the ginger-garlic paste, ground spices, tomato paste, and soy curls and mix well for a minute to combine.
- Add the salt and coconut cream and mix well. Cook for a minute. Then add in the lentils, green beans or veggies of choice , and water and mix really well. Partially cover and cook for 14 to 18 minutes, depending on the lentils you are using and the consistency you prefer. (You can use 2 cups of water with 1 cup of coconut milk here to make the lentils more creamy)
- Once the lentils are cooked to your preference, taste and adjust the salt and flavor. If you like the dalcha more saucy, you can add in some more water or coconut milk at this point and bring to a boil. Switch off the heat and set aside.
Prepare the tempering.
- Heat the oil in a small skillet, and once hot add the ginger, curry leaves, and cilantro and mix carefully for a few seconds. Switch off the heat.
- Drizzle the tempering including the leaves all over the dalcha and serve over rice, Biryani or naan. You can also serve this stew as-is or with a little bit of garlic bread on the side.
- Storage: Store refrigerated for upto 3 days. Soycurls absorb more as they sit so you can add some non dairy milk during heating. Or freeze for upto 2 months .
Notes
- You can substitute red lentils with yellow lentils or chana dal; adjust cooking time accordingly, especially pre-cook chana dal for faster cooking.
- For soy-free variation, replace soy curls with seitan or drained canned chickpeas.
- Reserve some cooked golden onions to use as a garnish for added texture and flavor.
- This recipe is naturally gluten- and nut-free.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 344 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 344kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 51g | 17% |
| Protein | 19g | 38% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Sodium | 540mg | 23% |
| Potassium | 581mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 19g | 76% |
| Sugar | 18g | 36% |
| Vitamin A | 368IU | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 60mg | 67% |
| Calcium | 117mg | 12% |
| Iron | 6mg | 33% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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