A Dal is rich in protein and a staple food in India and main source of protein for vegetarians. Serve it with rice and roti for healthy wholesome meal
Ingredients:
2tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, roughly chopped
2½ cm piece ginger, grated
3 pieces of garlic
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp turmeric
2 tsp garam masala
1/4 teaspoon red chili powder, or to taste (optional for extra heat)
1 tsp salt
1 green chilli, finely sliced
2 tbsp coriander Leaves finely chopped
1 plum tomatoes chopped
1½ tsp lemon juice
1 cup Lentils
1½ cup water add extra for more juice
Method:
Wash lentils by swishing them around in a pot of water. Drain the water which will have turned cloudy. Repeat until the water runs clear.
Soak the lentils in water overnight.
Drain and transfer the lentils to a pressure cooker or cooking pot (approximately 3 litre capacity).
Add 1½ cups water, turmeric, garam masala, sliced green chilli’s and salt. If using a pressure cooker, close the lid and pressure cook on medium flame for 2 whistles. If using a pot, bring to a boil then keep on low flame until lentils are cooked. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. To check whether lentils are cooked or not, take few grains of it and try to mash them. If they can be mashed easily, then it is cooked.
In a separate pan, heat oil add cumin seeds. When they begin to crackle, add onion, grated ginger, gsrlic and Sauté for 5 mins.
And Turmeric, Garam Masala chopped fresh coriander and diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
Turn off flame and pour into cooked lentils. Taste for salt and add more if required.
Add lemon juice and 1/3 cup water if required. Mix well and boil for 5-minutes.
Turn off the flame and transfer to serving bowl. Garnish with more chopped coriander leaves and serve with steamed rice or roti
