If you are a Mangalorean then the Dalitoy needs no introduction. But for those who are not, well, it is a quintessential Konkani style Dal made in almost every Konkani household without fail and savoured with a lot of passion – as much as Dal is loved in Northern India. When I talk of ‘Konkani’ cuisine, it is not to be confused with the Konkani language which is spoken in different dialects along the Coast of India (Konkan Region) and in Mangalore is spoken by the Catholics and Hindus (GSBs and non GSBs) – in dialects that slightly differ from each other. These Konkani speaking Hindus are popularly known as Konkanis or Konkanas in Mangalore.
What is distinctly different about the Dalitoy is the predominant fragrance and flavour of the Asafoetida (Hing) and the different flavours brought in by the green chillies, curry leaves and dry red chillies in a coconut oil seasoning – the combination of these flavours is so simple yet so mind blowing that every Konkani worth his salt loves this dish. While Turmeric is an optional ingredient, the natural colour of the Dal – a beautiful pale yellow is also what sets this Dal apart from other preparations.While it is enjoyed every day as a part of a simple & delicious meals that are had at home, it is savoured in great delight and reverence to Lord Venkataramana during the annual Car Festival that takes place around January every year. The Car Festival called as Theru in Konkani and Rathothsava in Kannada revolves around the celebrations of placing the deity in a gigantic Ratha (a wooden palanquin or palkhi) decorated in red and white which is then hauled across the city by devotees. The celebrations which usually last for 5 days is partaken by devotees with great fervour & enthusiasm. Devotees from the length & breadth of the city & outskirts attend the celebrations and it is said that most of the matchmaking happens during the time. Well dressed men in their traditional dhotiย attire are complimented by good looking women dressed in fine Sarees & gold jewellery looking all the more resplendent – as beautiful as brides. This is also a time for families to meet as even those living outside Mangalore tend to come to attend the celebrations.
Recipe Courtesy: Vidya Nayak Shenoy
Serves 3
You Need:
- 1 cup toor/tuvar dal (split pigeon peas/torichi daal, togri bele)
- 1 button size ball of soft Hing (asafoetida)
- 3 green chillies slit (adjust the number as per taste)
- salt to taste
For the tempering/seasoning/tadka:
- 1/4 tsp mustard
- 2 dry red chillies
- 1 sprig of curry leaves (kadipatta)
- 2 tsp oil (coconut oil preferably)
- 2 tsp chopped coriander leaves
3. In another pan heat 2 tsp coconut oil and add the mustard, when they splutter add the curry leaves and broken red chillies and toss them about. Do not allow the chillies to burn. Immediately add this seasoning to the dal and cover. Turn off the flame and serve piping hot with rice.
Neha says
This recipe is new to me…Looks like perfect comfort food…Will definitely try it..
May says
I want…kube…:)
Hamaree Rasoi says
Dali Tove looks so inviting and comforting.
Deepa
Hamaree Rasoi
Now Serving says
Dal looks perfectly delicious! Drools ๐
Prathima Rao says
Our fav comfort food!!! Had this for lunch yesterday & the day before!! Sometimes we also add garlic & onions..
Prathima Rao
Prats Corner
Priya says
Looks soo comforting and satisfying..
Rinku Naveen says
Hmmmm. love this thin Dal Curry. Got to try so many of your dishes Shir!
SKIP TO MALOU says
Can you invite me over? I want a cup of basmati rice with it too hehe… looks so comforting. I wouldn't know the difference but will be willing to slurp and lick my spoon with this haha!
have a great sunday!
malou
Mary says
What an interesting post. Your dal looks amazing. This is my first visit to your site, so I took some time to browse through your earlier entries. I'm so glad I did that. You have created a lovely spot for your readers to visit and I really enjoyed the time I spent here. I'll definitely be back. I hope you have a great day. Blessings…Mary
Charishma says
looks so comforting shireen,nothing like rice and dal
thank you for commenting on my post and about the grill, I searched in huge supermarkets in bangalore for a grill but could find one, found it next door, in a small supermarket run by a kerala family ๐ it was a well known brand(Weber) so I just closed my eyes and purchased it. I have found out their website,iam sending u the link
http://www.weberindia.com/grills/?glid=5&mid=21
thats the exact grill I have at home
charishma
Shireen Sequeira says
Thanks ladies for your lovely comments!
@ Malou: U r most welcome anytime dear! Just lemme know & I'll have a warm bowl of basmati rice+piping hot dal ready for u!
@ Mary: Thanks so much for your kind comments. Glad u liked the site, pls do keep checking often.
@ Charishma: thanks dear, thats very sweet of u, i will check the site! thanks so much!!
โฅApsโฅ says
This blog makes me nostalgic seeing mangalorean recipes! will continue coming here henceforth nd u too in Mumbai??
Sonia says
Just recovering from a flu and made this today. How comforting it is !! Thanks for sharing this Shireen. ๐
Bumblebee says
๐ i am soo hungry now ๐ ๐ … Excellent post ๐
Anonymous says
is it not tove made from moong dal?
Shireen Sequeira says
@ Anonymous: This recipe was given to me by a Konkani GSB lady where she used toor dal
Vidya Nayak Shenoy says
Hi Shireen.. thank u once again for your wonderful blog..Funny part is tho' here the recipe credit is given to me.. in my food album I never posted this thinking all amchis will definately know this.. But today my son ( who's in USA now ) wanted to prepare this n he searched my album wherein he couldn't find this.. n lo he remembered Ruchik Randap n immediately searched n prepared too.. now on skype he showed me the pic..which is just perfect… Thank u for being there Dear.. Love to kids..Vidya..
Shireen Sequeira says
Hi Vidyakka! I am so happy to hear this actually! ๐ Glad that your son was able to prepare it and even show it to you! Actually you had given me the recipe via chat on FB so perhaps that's why you were unable to find it in your album. All the recipes on my blog are a result of our personal conversations for which I am grateful as you patiently answered all my queries!! Love to u as well!!
Neeta says
Taste even better if you add little ghee in the thadka.
Give a try!!!— Neeta Shenoy Acharya.
Shireen says
Thanks Neeta! I will definitely try it out next time!
nitin says
Love preparing it every Monday for my family. Very easy and yummy recipe