How To Make Indian Dal
A traditional dal recipe that I make once a week with ginger, garlic, fragrant spices and finished with cilantro.
INGREDIENTS
2 cup red lentils, rinsed
2 tablespoons sunflower oil
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 cup diced yellow onion
2 green Thai peppers
1 bunch curry leaves, optional
Pinch of hing
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 cups pureed tomatoes
Juice of one half a lemon
Salt to taste
Chopped cilantro leaves for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
Place the rinsed lentils in a bowl with 3 cups of room temperature water. Soak for 30 minutes.
In a large flat surface pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, curry leaves and cook for 30 to 40 seconds, until fragrant.
Add the onion, green chili pepper, garlic, ginger, salt, and hing; cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until the onions are turning translucent.
Add the tomato puree and cook another 10 minutes. Add the turmeric, cayenne, and salt with the lentils and 3 cups of water. Cook lentils for 30 minutes or until they are soft and have a soup-like consistency. Add the lemon juice and stir well. Taste and add salt as needed. Garnish with cilantro; serve with basmati rice.