Gastronomer

Indian Dahl

 

I love food that is easy to make and full flavored.  Dhal is oneof those foods that warms that warms the  spirit with every bite.

 

Ingredients 

 

1 cup (210g) red lentils, rinsed well

 3cm fresh ginger, sliced

 2 bay leaves

 1 cinnamon stick

 2 tablespoons (40g) olive oil

 1 large onion, finely chopped

 2 cloves garlic, crushed

 2 teaspoons turmeric ( in a pinch use curry Indian powder)

 1 teaspoon cumin

 1/2 teaspoon garam marsala

 1/2 teaspoon chilli flakes

 2 tablespoons lemon juice

 1/2-1 teaspoon salt

Directions

Place lentils, ginger, bay leaves and cinnamon in a large saucepan with 3 cups of cold water. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat to medium and simmer, stirring to prevent sticking for 15-20 minutes.  Until lentils are tender but still have texture.  Discard spices and set aside.

 

 Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium high heat. Add the onion and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic, turmeric, cumin, garam marsala and chilli flakes and cook for a further minute or until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice and season to taste with salt.

 

Add the lentils to the pan and mix well. Cook for a further 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat.

 

Serve immediately with yogurt and or warm chipati.