Daliya, or broken wheat, is a versatile and affordable grain that can be used in various low-budget weekly meals like savory porridge, upma, khichdi, or even as a substitute for rice in pulao. Its high fiber content also makes it a healthy choice.
Daliya is a fantastic option for budget-friendly meals because it's inexpensive, nutritious, and can be cooked in numerous ways. Here's how to incorporate it into your weekly meal plan:
Daliya Porridge (Savory): Roast daliya lightly in a pan. Cook it with water or broth, adding vegetables like carrots, peas, and beans. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. This makes a hearty and filling breakfast or light dinner.
Daliya Upma: Sauté mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves in oil. Add chopped onions, ginger, and green chilies. Then, add the roasted daliya and cook with water until softened. Garnish with coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice. This is a quick and easy lunch or breakfast option.
Daliya Khichdi: Combine daliya with lentils (like moong dal or toor dal) and vegetables in a pressure cooker or pot. Add water, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook until the daliya and lentils are soft and mushy. This is a comforting and nutritious one-pot meal.
Daliya Pulao: Sauté vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower, and carrots with spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Add the daliya and cook with water or vegetable broth until the daliya is tender. This is a flavorful and satisfying alternative to rice pulao.
Daliya Salad: Cook daliya and let it cool. Mix it with chopped vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers. Dress with lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs. This is a refreshing and healthy side dish or light meal.
Roasting daliya before cooking enhances its flavor and prevents it from becoming sticky. Store roasted daliya in an airtight container for later use, saving you time during meal preparation.