My Dal Food

DAL RECIPE (INDIAN RED LENTIL CURRY)

Steps:

• Rinse the lentils well until the water is clear and drain in colander. Tip: If using other yellow lentils instead of red lentils, then soaking in water for about an hour will help.
• In a medium cooking pot take the drained red lentils, chopped onions, chopped tomatoes, sliced garlic, turmeric, water and bring it to a boil.
• Lower the heat and cook it for about 30 minutes. Add salt to taste and continue to cook until most lentils start breaking down, become a bit mushy and turn into a thick sauce like consistency.
• Cook the dal until it reaches a consistency that is thinner than what is desired, because it will thicken further after cooking.

MY DAL

Steps:

• Put the split mung dal, turmeric, water and salt into a pot large enough to hold them and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer about 40 minutes. The dal should become somewhat soft and porridge-like. Set aside.
• Place the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, peppercorns and chilies in a dry saute pan and toast them until they become quite fragrant. After allowing the spices to cool, grind them in a spice or coffee grinder until fine.
• Place the oil in a saute pan and add the garlic and shallots. Cook over high heat until softened and just beginning to brown. Add the coconut milk and bring to a boil. Add the ground spices and cook for 1 minute. Add the mixture to the cooked dal and simmer for about 10 minutes over low heat. Taste for seasoning, adding more salt if needed.
• Serve with rice and celery leaves.