Totha Recipe - Authentic Indian Comfort Food
Totha is a traditional Indian comfort dish that's simple to make yet incredibly flavorful. This recipe serves 2 people and combines boiled totha with aromatic spices, onions, and garlic for a hearty meal that pairs perfectly with your favorite Indian bread.
[Image: Totha served with bread - Add image at /images/recipes/totha.jpg]
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Totha is the perfect comfort food for a quick weeknight dinner. It's simple, requires minimal ingredients, and comes together in just 30 minutes. The combination of aromatic spices with the soft, boiled totha creates a dish that's both satisfying and flavorful.
History & Origin
Origin: Totha is a traditional Gujarati dish that originated in the western Indian state of Gujarat. It's a humble, home-style preparation that has been passed down through generations in Gujarati households.
First Place Made: Gujarat, Western India
Time Period: Ancient times, with roots dating back centuries in Gujarati cuisine
Totha is made with whole pigeon pea beans, which are boiled until tender and then cooked with simple spices. The dish is known for its simplicity and comfort food qualities. Pigeon peas are known as 'toor dal' in Hindi and 'tuver' in Gujarati - these are all names for the same legume. This versatile legume-based comfort food has been a staple in Gujarati kitchens for generations, especially popular during winter months and traditional festivals like Makar Sankranti/Uttarayan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup totha
- 1 cup minced onion
- 2 tbsp garlic (can add more for extra flavor)
- Garam masala, to taste
- Red chilli powder, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Turmeric powder, to taste
- Oil for cooking
- Water, as needed
- Ginger/green chilli paste (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
- Boil the totha: In a pot, boil the totha until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat oil in a pan and add minced onions and garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add spices: Add garam masala, red chilli powder, salt, and turmeric. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until spices are fragrant. Optional: Add ginger/green chilli paste at this stage for extra heat and flavor.
- Combine ingredients: Add the boiled totha to the pan along with some water. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer: Simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Adjust water consistency as needed - you want it saucy but not too watery.
- Serve: Serve hot with your favorite bread (roti, naan, or any bread of your choice).
Tips for Perfect Totha
- Don't overcook the totha: Boil until just tender to maintain texture
- Adjust spice levels: Feel free to increase or decrease red chilli powder based on your heat preference
- Add more garlic: The recipe suggests you can add more garlic - it adds wonderful depth of flavor
- Ginger/green chilli paste: This optional addition adds a fresh, spicy kick that complements the dish beautifully
- Consistency: Adjust water to your preference - some like it drier, others prefer it more saucy
Serving Suggestions
Totha pairs beautifully with:
- Fresh roti or naan
- Steamed rice
- A side of raita or yogurt
- Pickled vegetables (achaar)