Dham thali

Dham is a traditional Himachali meal that is typically served during special occasions and festivals. It consists of a variety of vegetarian dishes, each prepared with local ingredients and flavors. Dham thali is a complete platter of these dishes

Culture 6

Dham Thali Recipe

Dham is a traditional Himachali meal served during special occasions.

Ingredients for Dham Thali:

  • For Dham (Lentil Curry): - 1 cup split black gram lentils (urad dal) - 1/2 cup red kidney beans (rajma) - 1/2 tsp turmeric powder - Salt to taste - Water
  • For Chana Madra: - 1 cup chickpeas (chana) - 1 cup yogurt - 1 tsp mustard oil - 1/2 tsp cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds - 1/2 tsp asafoetida (hing) - 1 tsp turmeric powder - 1 tsp red chili powder - Salt to taste
  • For Babru: - 1 cup black gram lentils (urad dal) - 1/2 cup rice - 1/2 tsp ginger - 1/2 tsp asafoetida (hing) - 1/2 tsp cumin seeds - Salt to taste
  • For Aloo Palda: - 2-3 potatoes, diced - 1 cup yogurt - 1 tsp mustard oil - 1/2 tsp cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds - 1/2 tsp asafoetida (hing) - 1 tsp turmeric powder - 1 tsp red chili powder - Salt to taste
  • For Accompaniments: - Pickles - Fried papad - Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
  • For Tamarind Chutney (optional): - Tamarind pulp - Jaggery or sugar - Red chili powder - Salt

Recipe:

  1. Dham (Lentil Curry):
    • Step 1: (Instructions for making Dham)
    • - Wash and soak urad dal and rajma in water for a few hours. - In a pressure cooker, add the soaked lentils, water, turmeric, and salt. - Cook until they are soft and well-cooked. Mash them slightly.
  2. Chana Madra:
    • Step 1: (Instructions for Chana Madra)
    • - Boil chickpeas until they are tender. - In a separate pan, heat mustard oil and add cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, and asafoetida. - Add the boiled chickpeas, yogurt, and spices (turmeric, red chili powder, and salt). Cook until it thickens.
  • Babru:
    • Step 1: (Instructions for Babru)
    • - Soak urad dal and rice for a few hours. Grind them together with ginger and asafoetida to make a smooth batter. - Heat a flat pan and make small pancakes (babru) from the batter. Cook until both sides are golden.
  • Aloo Palda:
    • Step 1: (Instructions for Aloo Palda)
    • - Boil the diced potatoes until tender. - In a separate pan, heat mustard oil and add cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, and asafoetida. - Add the boiled potatoes, yogurt, and spices (turmeric, red chili powder, and salt). Cook until it thickens.
  • Tamarind Chutney (optional):
    • Step 1: (Instructions for Tamarind Chutney (optional))
    • - Mix tamarind pulp, jaggery or sugar, red chili powder, and salt. Adjust the sweetness and spiciness to your taste.
  • Assemble the thali with a portion of each dish, along with pickles, fried papad, and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot.

    Health Benefits:

    • 1. Protein: Dishes like Dham and Chana Madra provide protein from lentils and chickpeas, which are essential for muscle and tissue repair.

      2. Fiber: Lentils and chickpeas are also rich in fiber, promoting digestive health and preventing constipation.

      3. Probiotics: Yogurt-based dishes like Aloo Palda and Chana Madra contain probiotics that are good for gut health.

      4. Antioxidants: Spices like turmeric in these dishes have antioxidant properties that may help combat inflammation and boost overall health.

      5. Balanced Meal: The variety of dishes in a Dham thali ensures a balance of nutrients and flavors, contributing to a satisfying and well-rounded meal.

    It's important to consume Dham thali in moderation and maintain a balanced diet for overall health.