Red Lentil Dal

Red Lentil Dal

Each time I travel to India I can’t get enough of authentic Red Lentil Dal. I like to make it at home when I want an Indian cuisine fix. This traditional Indian dish is usually served with basmati rice or naan bread.

INGREDIENTS

1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil

2 Cups Chopped Onions

3 Minced Garlic Cloves

3 Cups Water

1 Cup Dried Red Lentils

3/4 Teaspoon Turmeric

3/4 Teaspoon Ground Cumin

1/2 Teaspoon Ground Ginger

1 Cup Basmati Rice (Cooked According to Package Directions)

2 Seeded & Chopped Tomatoes

1/4 Cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro

1 Seeded & Chopped Jalapeno

In a medium-size skillet heat oil over a medium heat. Add 1 cup onions and 1 minced garlic clove. Sauté until for 10 minutes until golden. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. In a heavy medium-size saucepan combine 3 cups water, lentils, remaining 1 cup onions, 2 minced garlic cloves, turmeric, cumin and ginger. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. You will want lentils to be nice and tender. Transfer half of lentil mixture to a food processer or blender. Puree until smooth. Return puree to the same saucepan. Mix in sautéed onion mixture. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes to blend flavors. Spoon rice into bowls and top with dal. Top with tomatoes, cilantro and jalapeno. Serves 4

© Victoria Hart Glavin