Easy Sweet Potato Dahl Food

SPINACH, SWEET POTATO & LENTIL DHAL

Steps:

• Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a wide-based pan with a tight-fitting lid.
• Add 1 finely chopped red onion and cook over a low heat for 10 mins, stirring occasionally, until softened.
• Add 1 crushed garlic clove, a finely chopped thumb-sized piece of ginger and 1 finely chopped red chilli, cook for 1 min, then add 1½ tsp ground turmeric and 1½ tsp ground cumin and cook for 1 min more.
• Turn up the heat to medium, add 2 sweet potatoes, cut into even chunks, and stir everything together so the potato is coated in the spice mixture.
• Tip in 250g red split lentils, 600ml vegetable stock and some seasoning.
• Bring the liquid to the boil, then reduce the heat, cover and cook for 20 mins until the lentils are tender and the potato is just holding its shape.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning, then gently stir in the 80g spinach. Once wilted, top with the 4 diagonally sliced spring onions and ½ small pack torn basil leaves to serve.
• Alternatively, allow to cool completely, then divide between airtight containers and store in the fridge for a healthy lunchbox.

SWEET POTATO DHAL WITH CURRIED VEGETABLES

Steps:

• To make the dhal, heat the oil in a large non-stick pan and fry the onion over a low heat for 10 mins, stirring regularly, until softened and very lightly browned - add the garlic for the final min. Stir in the curry powder and cook for 30 secs more.
• Add the lentils, 1 tsp flaked sea salt and 1 litre of water. Stir in the sweet potatoes and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the lentils for 50 mins or until the dhal is thick, stirring regularly. Add a splash of water if the dhal thickens too much. Stir in the lime or lemon juice and season to taste.
• While the dhal is cooking, make the curried vegetables. Half-fill a medium non-stick pan with water and bring to the boil. Add the beans, cauliflower and carrots, and return to the boil. Cook for 4 mins, then drain.
• Return the pan to the heat and add the oil and onion. Cook over a medium-high heat for 3-4 mins or until the onion is lightly browned, stirring regularly. Add the garlic and cook for 1 min more until softened. Stir in the curry powder and cook for a few secs, stirring.
• Add the tomatoes, green chilli according to taste and 200ml cold water. Cook for 5 mins or until the tomatoes are well softened, stirring regularly. Stir in the blanched vegetables and cook for 4-5 mins or until hot throughout. Season with black pepper.
• Divide the dhal between four deep bowls and top with the curried vegetables. Serve with the yogurt, coriander and lime wedges for squeezing over.

SWEET POTATO DAL RECIPE

Steps:

• Rinse the lentils and drain. Add to a saucepan with the water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 12 minutes. Keep an eye on the pot because lentils can quickly boil over. Set aside when lentils have absorbed the liquid.
• In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, warm the 3 tbs olive oil. Add the onions and cook, stirring frequently, until tender, about 10 minutes. Add a bit of water if needed to make sure the onions remain soft.
• Add the garlic, ginger and spices. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
• Add the sweet potato flesh, diced tomato, tomato paste and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly. Transfer to a blender. Blend the mixture just until everything is combined.
• Pour mixture back into saucepan and stir in the lentils. Cook just until heated through. Taste and adjust salt/pepper as needed.
• Serve.

SPICED SWEET POTATO DAHL

Steps:

• Heat oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, dukkah, garam masala, and garlic; cook and stir until onion softens, about 5 minutes. Stir in sweet potatoes; cook until lightly browned, 3 to 5 minutes.
• Pour vegetable broth into the pot; stir in lentils and cilantro. Simmer, partially covered, until lentils are tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Add spinach; simmer until wilted, about 5 minutes more. Season dahl with black pepper.

INDIAN SWEET POTATO & DHAL PIES

Steps:

• Place the sweet potato in a pan of boiling water and cook for 15 mins, or until tender.
• Meanwhile, heat the oil in a pan and fry the onion and carrot, for 2 minutes, then add the garlic and ginger and cook, stirring for 1 min more. Tip in the curry powder, stir round the pan then add 750ml of the boiling water with the stock cube, tomato purée and lentils. Cover the pan and boil for 20 mins until the vegetables are tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Stir in the chopped coriander.
• When the sweet potatoes are cooked, drain and mash them with the yogurt and seasoning.
• Spoon the lentil mix into one big or two individual dishes then top with the sweet potato mixture, scatter with the coriander and serve with broccoli, if you like.