Easy Vegetable Dalia Recipe for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner

Vegetable dalia is a practical dish for anyone who wants to prepare a simple homemade meal without using a long list of ingredients. Made with broken wheat and vegetables, it can be served for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

The recipe is easy to customise according to the vegetables available in the kitchen. Carrots, peas, beans and capsicum all work well, while mild spices add flavour without making the dish complicated.

Ingredients

• 1 cup broken wheat or dalia
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small carrot, diced
• ¼ cup green peas
• ¼ cup chopped French beans
• 1 small tomato, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
• ½ teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon oil or ghee
• Salt to taste
• Approximately 3 cups water, adjusted as needed
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

You can replace or add vegetables according to availability. Wash them thoroughly and cut them into small, evenly sized pieces.

Step 1: Prepare the Broken Wheat

Place the dalia in a sieve and rinse it briefly under running water if needed. Drain thoroughly.

For a nuttier flavour, dry-roast the dalia in a pan over low to medium heat for a few minutes, stirring regularly. Stop when it smells lightly toasted and begins to change colour slightly.

Transfer it to a bowl and keep it aside. Avoid roasting it for too long, as it may develop a burnt flavour.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Heat the oil or ghee in a pressure cooker or a heavy-bottomed pan.

Add the cumin seeds and allow them to release their aroma. Add the chopped onion and cook until it softens. Stir in the grated ginger, followed by the tomato and turmeric.

Cook until the tomato begins to soften. Add the carrot, peas and beans, stirring so that the vegetables are coated with the spices.

Step 3: Add the Dalia and Water

Add the roasted broken wheat and mix everything together.

Pour in the water and add salt. Stir thoroughly so that the grains do not settle in one place.

For a pressure cooker, close the lid and cook according to the appliance's instructions and the type of dalia used. Allow the pressure to release safely before opening it.

If using a covered pan, cook over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding more hot water if required. The cooking time will depend on the grain and the desired consistency.

Step 4: Check the Texture

Once cooked, the dalia should be tender. If it is too thick, add a little hot water and stir gently.

For a firmer texture, use less water next time. For a softer, porridge-like consistency, add more liquid and cook until the grains are tender.

Taste and adjust the seasoning before turning off the heat.

How to Serve Vegetable Dalia

Garnish with fresh coriander and serve warm. It can be eaten on its own or accompanied by plain curd or a simple vegetable side dish.

For a different flavour, add a little lemon juice just before serving. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the spices and omit the green chilli.

Storage and Preparation Tips

Serve the dish freshly cooked when possible. Cool leftovers promptly, refrigerate them in a covered container and reheat thoroughly before eating.

Broken wheat contains gluten, so this recipe is not suitable for people who need a gluten-free diet.

Vegetable dalia is an adaptable vegetarian meal that makes it easy to combine grains and vegetables in a single pot, with minimal preparation and everyday ingredients.