Kaddu ka dalcha is a traditional Andhra and Hyderabadi special side-dish recipe. It’s a flavorful and nutritious dal recipe which is often served with bagara rice, biryani and pulao. Lentils (usually chana dal), bottle gourd (kaddu), tamarind, onion and tomato are the main ingredients of making this dalcha. Kaddu ka dalcha without mutton is vegetarian version of mutton dalcha recipe, which is often served in Andhra Muslim Weddings.
More Kaddu Recipes – Lauki Gud ka Halwa, Lauki Chana Dal ki Sabzi, Gil-e-Firdaus
About This Recipe
Kaddu ka Dalcha is notable for its amazing taste and aroma that stems from a blend of spices and medley of ingredients. It is a type of stew that primarily uses bottle gourd (kaddu) and lentils (dal).
The traditional preparation of kaddu ka Dalcha is quite meticulous. It starts with cooking lentils until they are soft and mushy. Separately, the bottle gourd is diced and then sautéed with tomatoes and spices. Tamarind pulp is commonly added to introduce a tangy flavor that displays the typical Hyderabadi and Andhra preference for a combination of sour and spicy tastes.
The cooked lentils and sautéed kaddu are then combined to simmer together, allowing the flavors to meld. This dish is typically accompanied by a serving of either bagara or biryani. Kaddu ka Dalcha is not only applauded for its palatability but also for its nutritional profile. It combines the health benefits of lentils, which are rich in protein, with those of bottle gourd, a vegetable high in fiber and low in calories.
What Is Kaddu?
Kaddu, known by various names including Doodhi, Lauki, Sorakaya (Telugu), Bottle Gourd, or Bottle Squash. It holds an esteemed place in both culinary and cultural domains across many regions of the world. The ubiquity of the name Bottle Gourd is certainly a nod to its distinctive shape.
Historically, people discovered that the uses of this hard-shelled fruit extend far beyond the dinner plate. Mature gourds undergo a process of cleaning and drying. Later they are transformed into a variety of practical household items. These gourds are crafted to become everyday utensils such as bowls and spoons, etc. These are also used as storage containers that function like bottles. Further more, these are artistically designed to serve as decorative pieces, ornaments, as well as cultural apparel, accessories like masks, etc.
Moreover, bottle gourds are used in music because of their unique sound. They are made into sound boxes for rattles, shapes for xylophones, and hollow parts for drums. They are also used in wind and stringed instruments, giving a rich and natural tone that modern materials can’t easily copy.
Bottle Gourd is more than just a vegetable; it is a bridge between the practicalities of daily life and the expressive realm of art and music.
Kaddu Ka Dalcha Ingredients
- Toor Dal | Pigeon Peas – Is a popular choice for dalcha due to its rich flavor and creamy texture. Adds a nutty and slightly sweet taste that complements the subtle flavor of kaddu (bottle gourd) wonderfully. Toor dal also enhances the overall creaminess of the dish, creating a smooth and comforting texture.
- Kaddu | Bottle Gourd – Is a mild-flavored vegetable that adds a subtle sweetness and soft texture to the dalcha. It’s rich in water content and nutrients like vitamins and minerals. Bottle gourd is very low in calories too. The juice of bottle gourd is a valuable medicine for diarrhea and diabetes.
- Tomatoes – Tomatoes contribute acidity and tanginess to the dish, balancing the flavors of the other ingredients. They also provide a dose of antioxidants and vitamins.
- Green Chilies – Add heat and spiciness to dalcha, enhancing its flavor. Adjust the quantity according to your preference for spice.
- Onions – Add a sweet and savory flavor to the dalcha. They also provide texture and aroma to the dish when sautéed.
- Tamarind Juice – Adds a tangy and slightly sour taste to the dalcha, balancing the flavors of the other ingredients.
Kaddu Ka Dalcha
One very famous side dish recipe that is often served with biryani in Andhra Muslim Weddings is dalcha. Dalcha is mildly spicy, tangy and flavorful mixture of chana dal (or toor dal), bottle gourd (kaddu) and mutton. But this recipe of kaddu ka dalcha is purely vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and plant-based.
For weekend meals like peas pulao. egg biryani, veg biryani, chana pulao, etc.; I prefer making this dalcha recipe. Kaddu ka dalcha without mutton is simple, easy and convenient. When I am making plain kaddu ka dalcha, then I normally prefer using toor dal.
Toor dal adds nice flavor which compliments the subtle taste of kaddu wonderfully. Moreover, toor dal is nutritious, rich in protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy addition to the dish. It adds taste and texture to dalcha, making it more satisfying and fulfilling.
This recipe is going to participate fourth helping of My Legume Love Affair hosted by Sra of When My Soup Came Alive which was founded by Susan of The Well-Seasoned Cook and also to Waiter there’s something in my.. hosted by Jeanne of Cook Sister!
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Kaddu Ka Dalcha Recipe
Kaddu ka dalcha is a traditional Indian dish that is popular in both Andhra and Hyderabadi Cuisines. Dalcha is a combination of lentils and bottle gourd that is cooked together with few basic spices and tamarind. The dish is known for its unique taste, texture, and aroma, which makes it a favorite among food lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Toor Dal, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- 1 Kaddu | Bottle Gourd, peeled, deseeded and cut into 3' inch pieces
- 2 Tomatoes, cut into pieces
- 3 Green chilies, deseeded and chopped finely
- 1 Onion, sliced finely
- ½ tbsp Turmeric powder
- 2 tbsp Red chili powder
- 1 tbsp Ginger-garlic paste
- ½ cup Tamarind juice
- 2 springs Curry leaves
- 3 springs Coriander leaves
- Oil for cooking
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Steps To Make Kaddu Ka Dalcha
Wash and pressure cook dal by adding chopped onions with a drop of oil. (Adding a drop of oil cooks the dal faster).
Pressure cook kaddu pieces for only two whistles and set aside.
Add oil to a heavy bottom pan and saute the chopped tomatoes along with salt, red chili powder, turmeric powder, ginger-garlic paste and green chilies.
When the tomatoes are completely cooked, mash them by using backside of the spoon.
To this add boiled kaddu pieces and fry for 2-3 minutes.
Once the dal is cooked, mash the dal using a wooden smasher (pappu gutti or dal ghotni) or you can grind it in a mixture. (This gives thick consistency to the recipe).
To this add tomato-kaddu mixture along with tamarind juice, coriander leaves, curry leaves and 2 cups of water.
Cook covered for about 15 minutes or till you get the desired consistency. The consistency will be little thicker than sambar.
Add love to make this Kaddu ka Dalcha taste 'YUMMY'.
Notes
Lubna's Serving Suggestions
Here are a few delightful serving suggestions for beloved Kaddu ka Dalcha, You can serve this as a side dish with bagara rice, plain white rice, biryani and pulao.
Serve kaddu ka dalcha with,
For a delightful weekend meal, try this combo
Paneer Biryani + Kaddu ka Dalcha + Raita + Tandoori Aloo + Kheer
{OR}
Chicken Tahari + Shami Kabab + Dalcha + Riata + Trifle
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 183Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 434mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 7gSugar: 11gProtein: 6g
The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
Indranee says
Nice yummy recipe dear…wish you and your loved one a very Happy Diwali!
Priya says
Dalcha with lauki looks delicious…will give a try soon..
Kitchen Flavours says
Thank a lot Indranee and Priya.
CECIL says
I wish I come across this recipe few days ago before I went and bought all these ingredients for Diwali dinner. But I am so going to bookmark this – going to India to see my in laws and this recipe sounds like a must try.
Sagari says
dalcha looks very comfortinggg
Curry Leaf says
Looks tasty.If possible send it over to Cooksister for Waiter there is something in my … event where the theme is gourd. link –
http://www.cooksister.com/2008/10/wtsim—for-the-love-of-gourd.html
Sujatha says
Happy Diwali to you and your family!
Dalcha looks great.. my comfort food.. will try this soon..
Nazarina A says
Lubna,
I just bought chana dhal at the Indian grocer, nice dish of yours to try Thanks!
Anjum says
Asak lubna…love dalcha anytime,i dint know its also had with biryani…i usually make it with bagara khana,sem ki phalligosh,i add patta,loung and also sprinkle garammasala powder at the end…that makes it rich!!!..the vegetarian version is light n delicious
Mahimaa's kitchen says
that looks so yummy lubna. i have never tried it..
Gita's Kitchen says
Dalcha looks yummy. Its a new dish to me, will give it a try 🙂
Haripriya Reddy says
Yummy recipe!
Wish you a very happy Diwali!
Uj says
Happy Deepavali dear 🙂
Kitchen Flavours says
Thanks a lot Cecil. Enjoy your holidays.
Thank You Sagari.
Thanks for the link and comments Curry Leaf.
Thank you and same to you Sujatha.
Thanks Nazarina.
I too add Garam Masala but in non vegetarian version dear. Thanks a lot Anjum.
Try to taste it Mahimaa. Thanks for your comments.
Thank You Gita, HariPriya and UJ.
sra says
The non-veg version with mutton is a favourite with us, haven’t tried with kaddu. Thanks for the entry!
RAKS KITCHEN says
Thats an intersting post! Looks nice:)
Kitchen Flavours says
Thanks you and welcome Sra.
Thank you Mahimaa.
Pearlsofeast says
sounds great and lovely ingredients.
Kitchen Flavours says
Thank You Pearls of Feast.
kitchen queen says
Hi ur kaddu ka dalcha looks delicious.I like kaddus.You can visit my blog view my recipes and give ur comments