Simple & Tasty Thali for Guests

To cook the vegetables for your thali, heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds until they splutter. Then, add cubed potatoes and cauliflower florets, along with turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt, and coriander powder. Mix well, add water, cover, and cook until the vegetables are tender. This method ensures they are flavorful and perfectly cooked.

Yes, you can easily make this thali vegan by substituting paneer with tofu or a plant-based cheese alternative. Additionally, replace ghee with coconut oil or any other vegetable oil in the vermicelli dish. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based, making it a great option for vegan guests.

To store leftovers from your thali, allow the dishes to cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers. Store the vegetable curries, dal, and rice in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving again.

To enhance your thali experience, consider serving it with a side of fresh cucumber salad for a refreshing crunch. You can also add a tangy yogurt dip or raita to balance the spices. For a complete meal, pair it with some pickles or papadums for added texture and flavor.

If you don't have toor dal, you can substitute it with split yellow lentils or moong dal. For the besan, chickpea flour can be used as an alternative. If you can't find whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour works well too. Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste preferences!