Spiced Black Lentils With Yogurt And Mint Food

SPICED BROWN LENTILS WITH YOGURT

Steps:

• Combine the lentils, onion, garlic, bay leaf, and water in a medium soup pot or heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover and simmer 30 minutes. Add salt to taste (under-salt slightly because you will be reducing the liquid), and continue to simmer for another 15 minutes, until the lentils are falling apart tender and fragrant. Remove the onion and garlic and discard.
• Heat the oil in a large, heavy nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the spices and stir as they sizzle for about 30 seconds, until very fragrant. Add the beans with their liquid and cook, stirring and mashing with the back of a wooden spoon, until the mixture thickens, like refried beans. Add salt to taste, once the mixture has reduced to the desired consistency. Spoon onto plates and top each serving with a generous spoonful of yogurt and a sprinkling of chopped cilantro.

SPICED BLACK LENTILS WITH YOGURT AND MINT

Steps:

• Stir coriander, cumin, mustard seeds, and 2 tablespoons oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until sizzling, about 1 minute. Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring often, until just softened, about 5 minutes. Add lentils and 3 cups broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, adding broth as needed to keep lentils covered, until lentils are soft, 30-40 minutes. Stir in vinegar; season with salt and pepper.
• Transfer lentils to a large bowl and top with yogurt. Season with salt and pepper, drizzle with oil, and top with mint.
• DO AHEAD: Lentils can be cooked 2 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill.