How to Make Vegetable Dalia That Is Flavourful, Filling and Easy to Adapt

Vegetable dalia is useful when you want a warm, savoury meal without juggling several pans. Broken wheat has a nutty flavour and takes on the taste of spices and vegetables as it cooks. The recipe is flexible, making it easy to use carrots, peas, beans or other produce already available.
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The main trick is to prepare the grain and vegetables in the right order, then add enough liquid for the texture you prefer. A softer bowl suits a comforting meal, while a drier version resembles upma. This vegetable dalia recipe can be adjusted to suit different appetites and household routines.

Ingredients for two to three servings

Use one cup of broken wheat, one small chopped onion, one carrot diced small, half a cup of peas or chopped beans, one small tomato if desired, a teaspoon of cumin seeds, a pinch of turmeric, salt, oil and about three cups of hot water or unsalted vegetable stock. Keep extra hot water nearby in case the grain needs more liquid.


Broken wheat is made from wheat, so it is not suitable for people who need to avoid gluten because of coeliac disease or a wheat allergy. Rinse it in a sieve and drain well.

Cook the vegetables and grain

Heat a little oil in a heavy pan or pressure cooker. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle, then stir in the onion and cook until softened. Add the carrot, beans or peas, tomato, turmeric and salt. Cook for a few minutes so the vegetables begin to soften and the spices coat them evenly.


Add the broken wheat and stir for a minute before pouring in the hot liquid. Bring it to a gentle boil, then cover and simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cooking time depends on the grain size and product, so check the packet and taste for tenderness rather than relying only on the clock.

Adjust the texture and serve

If the mixture becomes too thick before the grain is tender, add a little more hot water. For a softer, porridge-like texture, use more liquid; for a firmer savoury dalia , keep the amount lower. Once cooked, turn off the heat and let it stand covered for a few minutes so the moisture settles.

Finish with chopped coriander and a squeeze of lemon if you like. Serve with plain yoghurt or a cucumber salad, or add cooked lentils for a more substantial vegetarian meal. Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator promptly, reheat until steaming hot and add a splash of water if the dalia has thickened. Make only as much as can be stored and eaten safely.