
Red Lentil Dhal
- Preparation and cooking time
- Cook:
- More effort
- Serves 4
Ingredients
- 200g red lentils, washed
- 900ml water (approx.)
- 1 tsp of salt
- Masala: 1 tbsp ghee or vegetable oil
- 1 tsp of cumin seeds
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 chilli, finely chopped
- 1 tsp fenugreek leaves
- 1 tsp of garam masala
- Garnish: 1 or 2 whole chillies
- Handful of coriander, chopped
Method
- STEP 1Place lentils in a pan with the salt, cover with the water and bring to the boil.
- STEP 2Remove the froth, reduce the heat and put the lid on the pan - leave to simmer for 10 minutes. Check the lentils are cooked by squeezing them between your fingers. Once soft remove from the heat.
- STEP 3In a frying pan heat the oil or butter. Using a fork pierce the whole chillies and add to the pan with a bay leaf and the cumin seeds.
- STEP 4When the seeds sizzle, remove the chilli and set to one side for your garnish.
- STEP 5Add the onion and garlic and fry until lightly browned. Reduce the heat and add the tomatoes, ginger, turmeric, fenugreek and the chopped chilli. Gently let the ingredients cook down for about 10 minutes to make a thick masala paste.
- STEP 6Add a ladle full of the lentils (dhal) to the masala paste in the frying pan and stir together, then empty all the contents back into the pan with the lentils and stir. It should have the consistency of a thick soup but if it's too thick just add a little boiling water and remove from the heat. If you prefer it thicker just leave it on the heat to reduce until you get the consistency you want.
- STEP 7Check the seasoning and add a little salt if required. Stir in the garam masala, coriander and top with the whole chillies to serve.