Basic Dal

[Guest guest]

Dal, dahl, dhal.. who cares how its spelled, it's all good! They are

all basically lentils or split peas of some kind. Actually there

are all kinds of dals I have yet to even see in a store. I will try to

post the easy to get kinds of dal dishes. Most of them are tasty,

filling, and reheat very well! The consistency should be very thick.

Serve over steamed rice, or I like mine in a bowl like soup.

Definitely try the variations at the bottom.

 

* Exported from MasterCook *

 

Dal

 

Recipe By :

Serving Size : 6 Preparation Time :0:00

Categories : Dals

 

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method

-------- ------------ --------------------------------

1 1/2 C Red Or Brown Lentils *

4 C Water

2 Whole Dried Chiles

1/4 Tsp Turmeric

1/2 Tsp Salt

2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil

1/2 Tsp Cumin Seeds

1 C Chopped Onions

1 Tbsp Peeled And Grated Fresh Ginger Root

1 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice

1 Tsp Garam Masala -- Optional

 

* or yellow or green split peas, or split hulled mung beans

 

Wash lentils in several changes of cold water. In a medium pot, cover

with the water and add the whole dried chiles, turmeric, and salt.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring often, until very

tender. This will take about 30 minutes for red lentils, 45 minutes

for peas, or an hour or more for mung beans. It may be necessary to

add more water to prevent sticking, but only 1/2 cup at a time,

because the the final consistancy should be fairly thick. When the

lentils are almost cooked, heat the oil in a small pan, add the cumin

seeds, and cook for 10 or 15 seconds. Stir in

the onions and ginger and cook until the onions begin to brown, about

5 or 10 minutes. When the lentils are tender, remove and discard the

hot peppers. Stir in the onion mixture, lemon juice, garam masala, and

salt to taste. Serve, passing additional garam masala to sprinkle on

top, if desired.

 

VARIATIONS:

Spinach Dal: Add 4 cups of chopped, fresh spinach to the onions after

they have sauteed for about 5 minutes and then cook for 5 minutes

more.

 

Tomato Dal: Add 1 cup chopped tomatos to the onions after they have

sauteed for about 5 minutes and then cook for about 5 minutes more.

 

Spinach-Tomato Dal: Add both spinach and tomatoes.