Masoor Dal
This rich, creamy dal recipe from Madhur Jaffrey works perfectly as an Indian vegetarian main dish, served with rice, or as an accompaniment to a meat curry.
Introduction
Indians tend to eat protein-rich legumes with many everyday meals.
Ingredients
| 350g (12oz) | split red lentils (masoor dal) |
| ½ tsp | ground turmeric |
| 1¼–1½ tsp | salt |
| 3 tbsp | ghee or vegetable oil |
| 1generous pinch | of ground asafoetida |
| 1 tsp | cumin seeds |
| 3–5 | dried hot red chillies |
Method
Pick over the lentils for any grit. Place them in a bowl and wash in several changes of water. Drain the lentils and put them in a heavy-based pan with 1.2 litres (2 pints) water and the turmeric. Stir and bring to a simmer. Cover, leaving the lid slightly ajar. Cook the lentils over low heat for 35–40 minutes or until the lentils are tender, stirring occasionally
Add the salt to the lentils, mix and leave, covered, over low heat. Heat the ghee or vegetable oil in a frying pan over fairly high heat and, when hot, add the asafoetida followed by the cumin seeds. Let the cumin seeds sizzle for a few seconds and then add the chillies. As soon as they turn dark red – this takes just a few seconds – pour the contents of the frying pan into the lentils and mix.
Reviews
Have you tried this recipe? Let us know how it went by leaving a comment below.
Please note: Moderation is enabled and may delay your comment being posted. There is no need to resubmit your comment. By posting a comment you are agreeing to the website Terms of Use.
