Spicy Dal Parathas Indian Lentil Stuffed Tortillas Food

SPICY DAL PARATHAS (INDIAN LENTIL-STUFFED TORTILLAS)

Steps:

• For the dough: Combine all the ingredients and knead into a soft dough using 1/3 cup water (you may need a little more or less).
• Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and keep aside, covered with a damp cloth.
• For the stuffing: Cook the washed and drained lentils in in 3/4 cup of water till all the water is absorbed.
• Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a skillet and add the cumin seeds.
• When they sputter, add the asafoetida, cooked lentils, turmeric powder, chilli powder and salt.
• Cook till the lentil mixture is dry, stirring continuously.
• Cool completely and divide into 6 equal portions.
• To prepare the parathas: On a floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough into a circle of 100 mm (4") diameter.
• Place one portion of the stuffing mixture in the centre of the circle.
• Bring togehter all the sides in the centre and seal tightly.
• Roll out again into a circle of 150 mm (6") diameter, using extra flour to roll the paratha.
• Place the paratha on a hot griddle, spreading a little ghee or oil over the paratha while it is on the griddle; flip once, and cook until both sides are golden brown.
• Repeat with the remaining dough and stuffing to make 5 more parathas.
• Serve hot with chilled yogurt, pickle or a raita.

SPICY INDIAN DAHL

Steps:

• Place lentils in a colander and rinse under running cold tap water.
• Add lentils to a medium-sized, but deep, saucepan.
• For each cup of lentils, add 2 cups of water to the saucepan.
• Bring to the boil, turn heat down, and simmer 10 to 20 minutes.
• Do not allow lentils to become mushy- they should still be'al dente'.
• Drain when cooked.
• Melt ghee or butter over a medium flame.
• Add onions, garlic and ginger, and saute until onions are soft and light brown in colour.
• Add spices and salt, and cook a couple of minutes until lightly fried and bubbling.
• Add dahl, and stir well.
• Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water.
• Cook over low heat for 15 minutes, or until gravy thickens, stirring from time to time so that the dahl doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.
• Add more water if necessary, or if a thinner dahl is desired.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro to serve.
• Variation: Add two chopped tomatoes with the onions.