Dal

This is my "house recipe" for everyday dal. Can be made on the stove top but even easier if you happen to own a pressure cooker. The recipe calls for curry leaves as an optional ingredient; we have potted curry leaf plants and have abundant leaves to share so let me know if you'd like some.

Great

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

1. Heat ghee/oil in a saucepan.

Step 2

2. This is the "tadka" or tempering step where we bloom spices and aromatics in hot oil to flavor the dish. Add mustard seeds and let them pop. Add cumin seeds and onion and saute until the onion is slightly brown.

Step 3

3. Add ginger, garlic, curry leaves, tomato, turmeric, cayenne and salt, and stir for a few seconds.

Step 4

4. Add rinsed lentils and 3 cups water, bring to a boil, cover and simmer, stirring occasionally until the dal is completely cooked and falls apart into a silky stew. (no al dente stuff here). Add water as needed to make a thick/thin dal to your taste. Turn off the heat. (If you are using a pressure cooker, cook under high pressure for 4 minutes, natural release).

Step 5

5. Stir in the garam masala, lemon juice and cilantro. Taste and adjust salt.

Step 6

Serve as a soup, or with crusty bread, or with steamed rice and roasted vegetables on the side.