Sweet Potato Dal 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 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.

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.